It may be a small but nonetheless significant win for conservation over energy extraction, particularly for Grand County, Colorado, near Rocky Mountain National Park.
"The Bureau of Land Management has withdrawn more than 27,000 acres [in 20 parcels] near Rocky Mountain National Park from a June oil and gas lease sale, drawing concern from the industry but cheers from environmentalists fighting the Trump administration's emphasis on increased fossil fuel development," reports Scott Streater for E&E News.
Conservation groups praised the decision, saying it is a good sign that the Trump administration will not abandon policies that call for careful review of parcels nominated by the industry for lease.
At the same time, BLM approved offering "86 parcels at the lease sale covering more than 73,000 acres in nearby Jackson and Routt counties, as well as Rio Blanco and Moffat counties in the state's northwest corner, the agency said," adds Streater. However, it was the aforementioned parcels in Grand County that had drawn significant opposition:
Numerous groups, including the town of Hot Sulphur Springs, The Wilderness Society, WildEarth Guardians and a nearby dude ranch, had challenged the agency's proposal to offer the 20 parcels for lease in Grand County.
The parcels also had been opposed by the Grand County's Board of County Commissioners, which last fall submitted formal comments (pdf) to BLM expressing concern that "oil and gas development would have negative consequences on our local environment and economy."
Presumably it also helped that the land "is characterized as low or no potential for oil and gas development" according to the Grand County commissioners, although that didn't prevent Kathleen Sgamma, president of the Denver-based Western Energy Alliance, to express her displeasure with the ruling.
She said BLM "had carefully analyzed the areas in Grand County" during a completed land-use plan update "and determined they're suitable for leasing."
This may be a rare "win" for the environmental community during the Trump era when conservation is pitted against energy extraction. It may also be telling that the Trump official in charge is Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke.
FULL STORY: BLM nixes oil lease parcels near Rocky Mountain
'Unprecedented' Sale of Public Land Concerns 'Even Some Republicans'
As the Department of the Interior auctions off 'vast swaths' of American wilderness to oil and gas companies, fiscal conservatives and conservationists alike wonder if it’s the right thing at the right time.
Antiquities Act Executive Order Calls for Review of Large Designations
The Executive Order does not roll back the Antiquities Act nor rescind any designations made by presidents Clinton, George W. Bush, or Obama, but does call for their review if over 100,000 acres. President Trump feels that the act has been misused.
Under Zinke, Land in Montana Is Still Somehow Protected
Though he’s opened land all over the U.S. to industry, the Interior Secretary is actually pushing to conserve even more of his home state.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service