Department of the Interior

"Radiation Zone, Keep Out" sign on wood post with red Arizona desert mesa in background

Grand Canyon Area Could Gain New National Monument

The Biden administration has signaled support for a proposed national monument that would protect Native American lands around the Grand Canyon from uranium mining.

August 7, 2023 - The Washington Post

Bears Ears National Monument

President's Record on Conservation Criticized

President Trump has weakened protections for 35 million acres of public land, despite repeating his intentions to surpass the model for conservation set by President Teddy Roosevelt.

May 27, 2020 - Center for American Progress

Shasta Lake

Environmental Study of Shasta Dam Project Halted

The federal government was considering a plan to raise the height of the dam on California's largest reservoir. But the area’s water district recently announced that it will not continue with an environmental study of the project.

November 9, 2019 - High Country News

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Op-Ed: Feds 'Obsessed' with Undermining National Monument

Utah's Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is under severe assault from the Trump administration, Stephen Trimble writes. Long the focus of preservation efforts, the protected land is being opened up for extractive uses.

September 29, 2019 - The Hill

Ryan Zinke

A Look Back on What Ryan Zinke Is Leaving Behind

Zinke’s tenure at the Interior Department was not lengthy, but the damage he inflicted will be long-lasting.

December 31, 2018 - Vox

renewable Energy

Offshore Wind Energy Blowing Up in the United States

The U.S. offshore wind industry has gained momentum in the past year and a half.

May 28, 2018 - Vox

Open Space

'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.

April 24, 2018 - Houston Chronicle

Shasta Lake

Why Are the Feds Suddenly in Favor of Raising the Shasta Dam?

Despite state opposition and potential violations of California law, the Trump Administration has revived a project that was deemed impracticable only a few years ago.

March 18, 2018 - Los Angeles Times

Congress Asks that USGS Nominee 'Protect the Scientists'

After recent resignations, there's a new part of the job description: "maintain a sort of firewall between their scientific work and any political agendas."

March 16, 2018 - Pacific Standard

Yellowstone National Park

Mass Resignations From National Park Service Advisory Board

Nine out of 12 members of the National Park Service advisory board resigned this week, saying that the Department of the Interior "showed no interest in learning about or continuing to use the forward-thinking agenda of science," among other claims.

January 20, 2018 - National Public Radio

National Parks Service

Congress Confirms a Controversial Number Two at the Department of the Interior

The confirmation of David Bernhardt as Deputy Secretary of the Interior has upset environmentalists and advocates for public land.

July 25, 2017 - The Washington Post

Species Protection

Concern Grows Over the Fate of the Country's 'Largest Land Conservation Feat'

Western governors are concerned with signals from the Trump Administration about its intentions to kill a compromise deal to protect 165 million acres of habitat for the sage grouse.

June 6, 2017 - The Denver Post

For Fracking's Sake, Another 'Burdensome' Environmental Regulation Repealed

The first and only federal regulation overseeing the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing on federal lands has been withdrawn upon orders issued by Ryan Zinke, the Secretary of the Interior.

March 20, 2017 - E&E News [Subscription]

Coal Mining

As Trump Presidency Looms, Department of Interior Calls to Modernize Coal Program on Federal Land

The Obama Administration's Department of the Interior released their report on coal mining on federal lands just days before the Trump team takes office.

January 18, 2017 - The New York Times

Ryan Zinke

Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke Reportedly Tapped for Interior Secretary

Days earlier the presumed nominee was Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington, a member of the GOP congressional leadership, but Zinke's interview with Don Trump Jr., the president's son, appears to have caused the change.

December 15, 2016 - The Washington Post - Energy and Environment

Another Fossil-Fuel-Friendly Climate Skeptic Selected for Trump Cabinet

President-elect Donald Trump is reported to have selected Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Republican from Washington, for Secretary of the Department of Interior. Also, "Climate McCarthyism" emerges as a concern for federal employees.

December 12, 2016 - Reuters via Yahoo News

Stunning Acquittal of Defendants in Standoff with Feds at Oregon Wildlife Refuge

Will the acquittal of seven defendants in a U.S. district court who used force to occupy the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon last January embolden other takeovers of public lands by resentful ranchers or militia?

October 31, 2016 - High Country News

Image of hydraulic fracturing equipment

Court Ruling Overthrows Obama Administration's Fracking Regulations

Opponents of federal oversight rejoice: a ruling by U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl reiterates the limitations of the federal government to regulate fracking.

June 23, 2016 - KUOW

Oil

Interior Department Secretary Jumps Into Fossil Fuel Debate

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell expressed a surprisingly pro-industry viewpoint in response to the growing "keep it in the ground" environmental movement.

May 9, 2016 - The Desert Sun

Hiking Trail

On the Meaning and Value of America's National Parks

An editorial from a surprising source argues for an honest discussion about the unintended consequences of uncritical exuberance.

April 24, 2016 - High Country News

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