High Country News

Sierra Club fights Keystone XL with civil disobedience

The act will be the first of its kind sanctioned by the group’s board of directors in its 120 year history, and may push the conversation over the controversial tar-sands oil pipeline to a new level.

by Judith Lewis Mernit, Feb 18, 2013

The new Third World

While some Americans fight over healthcare reform, others line up at dawn to receive free care at a temporary clinic in Los Angeles.

by Ray Ring , Aug 26, 2009

We need a renewables roadmap

President Obama's economic plans need to include a truly audacious vision for renewable energy.

by John Horning and Jeremy Nichols, Mar 05, 2009

The Obama administration appoints environmentalists to some important positions in the Interior Department and other agencies. Also: The West faces a growing shortage of food-supply animal veterinarians.

by Ray Ring, Apr 20, 2009

Salmon Salvation

Obama’s new political order, backed by the legal acumen of Judge James Redden, may help the Northwest’s salmon survive and end the era of the Lower Snake River dams.

by Ken Olsen, May 04, 2009

Red light, green light

After years of stalemate and fighting, enviros are gaining ground under Obama. Also: Unemployment rates are ranked in the Western states.

by Ray Ring, Feb 12, 2009

The West goes to Washington

Barack Obama is bringing Westerners to Washington, including Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano to run Homeland Security, and Cabinet picks Ken Salazar, Hilda Solis and Steven Chu.

by Ray Ring , Jan 19, 2009

The man beneath the hat: Ken Salazar's search for middle ground

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, a twelfth-generation Latino-American, works politely and quietly but stubbornly to protect the West’s environment in polarized times.

by Kate Sheppard, Dec 11, 2011