Newsletter: Major new proposal would prioritize conservation of public lands

Major new proposal would prioritize conservation of public lands

Exploitation of public lands is fragmenting the natural habitat species rely on; damaging healthy forests and, in turn, harming air and water quality; and destroying Indigenous cultural sites and sacred landscapes. A newly proposed policy would respond to these crises by prioritizing conservation on 245 million acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management–correcting a longstanding imbalance in how these lands and waters are used and finally putting conservation on “equal footing.”

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The Bureau of Land Management manages more land than any other government agency. Yet, a whopping 90 percent of BLM public lands are available for oil and gas leasing, meaning an overwhelming majority of lands could be permitted and developed for fossil fuel projects. The recent approval of the disastrous Willow project on BLM land in the Western Arctic sends a crystal-clear message that the agency’s current priorities are out of sync with the worsening climate crisis. Read more

No more climate policy choices made in a vacuum—we need a comprehensive plan for public lands and waters

As we regroup following the Biden administration’s disappointing decision to approve the Willow project in the Western Arctic, this much is clear: We need a climate plan for public lands and waters ASAP. This includes phasing out drilling, responsibly ramping up renewable energy infrastructure, protecting natural carbon sinks, conserving lands for climate and community resiliency, and centering community input and climate considerations. Read more

3 reasons to protect Greater Chaco Canyon from oil and gas drilling

In recent years, oil and gas companies have made relentless attempts to drill and frack the land bordering Chaco Canyon in New Mexico. The Department of the Interior has announced plans to protect the area, but a few crucial steps remain before that can happen. There’s no time to waste: Greater Chaco is a sacred landscape important to the ongoing cultural practices of the Pueblo, Hopi, Navajo Nation and other Indigenous Tribes throughout the Southwest. Read more

Insurance companies must STOP backing drilling in the Arctic Refuge!

Huge win: Chubb just became the first American insurance company to explicitly state in its policy that it won’t insure drilling in the Arctic Refuge. Now it’s time for others to follow suit. Tell AIG, Travelers and The Hartford to promise they’ll support local communities—not disastrous drilling.