In the Rockies today, demand for gold, copper and other metals has the natural resources sector of Western states' economies roaring back to life.
But mines face new opposition from residents and proponents of those states' amenity economy.
In Idaho, where a company wants to mine gold in the Boise River watershed, the issue of water quality had stalled the mine.
But the proposal is back on the table, with Atlanta Gold executives planning to meet tomorrow with U.S. Forest Service officials and Idaho residents.
Uranium mining is picking up as well, as concerns about climate change revive proposals for new nuclear power plants.
But opposition to uranium mining is strong as well, and new projects proposed near the nation's Grand Canyon have sparked especially strong opposition.
Rockies today
Renewed interest in mining in the West faces new opposition
As mining lumbers back into the West's economy, the industry is meeting new resistance from those who have moved to the area because of its natural amenities.
Christian Science Monitor; May 2
In 5 Western states, new rush to mine uranium
The number of uranium mining claims in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming grew from 4,333 new claims in 2004 to 43,153 in 2007.
Los Angeles Times; May 4
N.M. laboratory researcher says fungus could fuel the future
A researcher at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico found that, by tweaking the genetic code in a certain kind of fungus, it would produce an enzyme that breaks down corn husks, grass and even some municipal waste into ethanol, giving the fungus a key role in fuel production for the nation.
Santa Fe New Mexican; May 5
Crews have 14,000-acre wildfire in New Mexico 45 percent contained
The Trigo Fire started April 15 and has destroyed 59 homes and burned 14,000 acres in New Mexico, and in some areas burned so fiercely that crews described the damage as "nuclear." You may have to view an ad to read this article.
Albuquerque Journal; May 5
Colorado utility lets consumers make informed choices about power
The biggest change in electricity delivery is making its way across the country: devices that allow consumers to determine peak usage rates and make consumption habits accordingly, and Xcel Energy is planning just such a pilot program for 100,000 homes in Colorado.
Denver Post (AP); May 5
Proposed drilling rules in Colorado impose restrictions for wildlife
The energy industry said proposed rules that would shut down drilling operations in Colorado for months at a time to provide seasonal protections for about a dozen species are far too restrictive, but conservation groups said the rules don't provide enough protection.
Denver Post; May 5
Opinion
Utah needs to do more to clean up its air
It's true that Utah's air is cleaner now than it was a couple of decades ago, but two of the Beehive State's cities still made the American Lung Association's Top 10 list for particulate pollution, and instead of going on the defensive, the state's leaders should take a proactive approach to making our state's air cleaner.
Salt Lake Tribune; May 5
Study calls federal 'Reading First' a billion-dollar boondoggle
A study released last week by the Education Department’s Institute of Education Sciences found that the Bush administration's "Reading First" initiative has done little to raise the reading scores of the students who participated in the program, and it's time Congress put an end to the federal program that primarily benefits its officials and the companies that provided the materials.
Las Vegas Sun; May 5
Beyond the region
Study links air pollution to bees' demise
A study by three University of Virginia researchers found that air pollution destroys the scent-bearing hydrocarbon molecules released by flowers, making it harder for bees to find their food source and leading to a decline in the pollinators.
Washington Post; May 5
Researchers say molasses may help protect groundwater near Hanford
The Department of Energy is trying several methods to protect groundwater from chromium contamination at the Hanford nuclear complex in Washington state, and Washington state Department of Ecology researchers said the results of tests using molasses injected into the ground to nourish bacteria that absorbs the chromium are encouraging thus far.
Tri-City Herald; May 5
Cities, states add emissions factor into growth plans
As Congress mulls carbon caps, cities and states are factoring in how new growth and development will affect the level of greenhouse gas emissions of the region.
Washington Post; May 4
Chinese firms set up shop in the United States
For years, the United States has spent billions of dollars in China, but that changed in 2007, when the Beijing government invested $3 billion in the Blackstone Group and $5 billion in Morgan Stanley, and now Chinese firms are investing in factories to bring their manufacturing facilities stateside.
Los Angeles Times; May 5
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