In the Rockies today, climate change is the focus of several articles today.
Interior Dirk Kempthorne proposed a change to the federal Endangered Species Act that would remove independent scrutiny of federal projects' effects on endangered species, and said the rule change would prevent the 1972 law from being used as a "back door" to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.
The U.S. Forest Service is envisioning a changing climate and its effects on the agency's vast land holdings, and held a conference in Montana Thursday to discuss those changes in the twelve national forests in its Region One.
And in Colorado, where pine bark beetles have infested millions of acres of forest, experts gathered in Aspen to debate how the loss of those trees, and the loss of the trees' carbon-absorbing ability, could affect the rate of climate change.
Rockies today
Interior Dept. moves ahead on ESA rule change
A proposed change to the federal Endangered Species Act that will allow federal agencies to move forward on construction projects without first getting an independent review of the effect such projects may have on endangered species is expected to publish in the Federal Register today, putting in motion a 30-day comment period.
New York Times; Dec. 12
Climate change focus of USFS meeting in Montana
Experts on climate change are working with U.S. Forest Service employees to address how best to revise policies in the face of ecosystem changes, including in Region One, which covers 12 national forests, including Custer National Forest in Montana.
Billings Gazette; Dec. 12
Experts discuss beetles, forests at Colorado conference
For the Forest, an Aspen-based group, hosted a conference at the Aspen Institute on the effect mountain pine beetles will have on Colorado's forests, where experts presented their views of the infestation and its effects.
Aspen Times; Dec. 12
Wyoming hunters, anglers support balance on public lands
Sportsmen for Responsible Energy Development released the results of a survey of hunters and anglers in several Rocky Mountain States that indicated 75 percent of those surveyed said the federal government should protect opportunities for hunting and fishing on lands leased for energy development and 85 percent wanted a say in energy leasing decisions.
Jackson Hole Daily; Dec. 12
Plan would thin 1 million acres of USFS land in Arizona
Arizona has pitched a plan to the U.S. Forest Service to thin up to 1 million acres of forest lands in northern Arizona over the next 20 years.
Arizona Republic; Dec. 12
Montana board to vote again today on bison plan
A tie vote on Thursday by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission on a plan to pay the Church Universal and Triumphant to relinquish its grazing rights on a corridor of land between Yellowstone National Park and U.S. Forest Service land means the board will have to vote again today on the controversial plan.
Billings Gazette (AP); Dec. 12
Rio Tinto to forge ahead, expand B.C. Alcan smelter
Rio Tinto's plan to cut spending and jobs won't affect the international mining conglomerate's planned $2.5-billion refurbishment at its aluminum smelter in Kitimat, B.C.
Vancouver Sun; Dec. 12
Alberta rolls out its energy plan
Alberta officials laid out the details of the Canadian province's energy plan that includes a renewable fuel standard to take effect in 2010.
Calgary Herald; Dec. 12
Opinion
Bioenergy plant important piece of Colorado's economic plan
The San Juan Bioenergy Plant in Dove Creek will hold its grand opening this Saturday, and although the plant will first produce sunflower oil for human consumption rather than biodiesel as originally planned, it will be an important component in Colorado's plan to grow its own sustainable economy.
Durango Herald; Dec. 12
Beyond the region
Obama's climate team faces challenging environment
The three people President-elect Obama nominated to head up his environment team are seasoned regulators and face the usual issues of dirty air and dirty water, but Obama's promise to curb greenhouse gas emissions will be the most challenging issue for the team.
Washington Post; Dec. 12
California passes stringent greenhouse-gas emissions plan
Under a plan adopted by the California Air Resources Board on Thursday, the state will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent over the next 12 years.
Los Angeles Times; Dec. 12
Bush administration overhauls temporary farm worker program
The federal H-2A guest-worker visa program was designed to allow agricultural producers in the United Stats temporarily hire foreign workers, but many farmers declined to take advantage of the program due to its complexity, and the Bush administration's proposed changes appear to do little to address the complexity issues.
New York Times; Dec. 12
Former S.D. senator nominated as new HHS secretary
Tom Daschle, a former U.S. senator from South Dakota, has been nominated by President-elect Barack Obama to be the next secretary of the Health and Human Services Department, as well as head up a new White House Office of Health Reform.
New York Times; Dec. 12
Initial unemployment claims hit 26-year-high last week
New reports released Thursday said first-time jobless claims hit a 26-year high last week, U.S. exports declined in October for the third consecutive month, but household debt decreased for the first time ever for the three-month period that ended Sept. 30.
Washington Post; Dec. 12
In depth
Arizona has $869-million list of 'shovel-ready' projects
In preparation for the federal government's proposed federal stimulus projects, Arizona put together its wish list containing $869 million worth of infrastructure projects that includes $30.9 million for Coconino County.
Arizona Daily Sun; Dec. 12
Idaho compiles list of projects ready for federal funding
Idaho's $2.5 billion list of infrastructure projects ready for federal funding under President-elect Barack Obama's proposed stimulus plan contains $805 million of highway construction projects.
Twin Falls Times-News (AP); Dec. 12
Colorado governor asks Obama to fund renewable energy
In his letter to President-elect Barack Obama, Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter's wish list for infrastructure projects included not only roads and natural gas pipelines, but also funding for renewable energy projects and incentives.
Denver Rocky Mountain News; Dec. 12
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