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High Country News

High Country News

A nonprofit independent magazine of unblinking journalism that shines a light on all of the complexities of the West.

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Joshua Zaffos

Posted inFebruary 5, 2018: Caught Between Crises

The uncompromising environmentalist behind the Sierra Club

by Joshua Zaffos February 5, 2018January 24, 2024

A new book details the rise of the Sierra Club from hiking group to political force.

Posted inFebruary 19, 2018: Unfrozen North

‘Orphaned’ oil and gas wells are on the rise

by Joshua Zaffos January 16, 2018January 24, 2024

Wells left behind by industry threaten to overwhelm Western states.

Posted inArticles

RV industry lobbies to privatize services on public lands

by Joshua Zaffos September 29, 2017January 26, 2024

And they have found an ally in Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.

Posted inSeptember 18, 2017: No Hoax

Can coal remain the bedrock of Wyoming’s economy?

by Joshua Zaffos September 18, 2017January 24, 2024

As companies experiment with ‘clean coal,’ cheaper and cleaner fuels are taking over.

Posted inAugust 21, 2017: Rooftop Revolution

U.S. House moves to streamline water projects

by Joshua Zaffos August 18, 2017January 24, 2024

A controversial bill would weaken states’ control over water.

Posted inArticles

LNG project rises again, with support from Mountain states

by Joshua Zaffos May 31, 2017January 24, 2024

White House backing could ease approval for Oregon’s Jordan Cove terminal.

Posted inArticles

¿Qué debe hacer una comunidad para proteger a sus migrantes?

by Joshua Zaffos May 12, 2017January 24, 2024

Un condado conservador en Colorado se enfrenta a una nueva realidad política.

Posted inArticles

Fatal Colorado home explosion reignites drilling safety debate

by Joshua Zaffos May 3, 2017January 24, 2024

Have regulators done enough to protect public safety?

Posted inMay 15, 2017: Prison Town

A tribe wins rights to contested groundwater in court

by Joshua Zaffos April 5, 2017January 24, 2024

A major federal court decision acknowledges that tribes have priority rights to groundwater — and could limit how much other users can take.

Posted inApril 3, 2017: Firestorm

What should a community do to protect its immigrants?

by Joshua Zaffos March 28, 2017January 24, 2024

A conservative county in Colorado grapples over a new political reality for its refugee and immigrant residents.

Posted inFebruary 20, 2017: Overdosed

Harry Reid exits the ring

by Joshua Zaffos February 20, 2017January 24, 2024

In an era of political gridlock, Congress loses a leader who got things done for the West.

Posted inArticles

House Republicans want to ‘repeal and replace’ the ESA

by Joshua Zaffos December 28, 2016January 24, 2024

After attempts to chip away at the law bill by bill, Utah Rep. Rob Bishop says he’d rather scrap the Endangered Species Act altogether.

Posted inArticles

Silver State lining for Democrats

by Joshua Zaffos December 1, 2016January 24, 2024

How Republicans failed to capture Nevada amid a red wave.

Posted inArticles

A tax on carbon pollution faces surprising opposition

by Joshua Zaffos October 25, 2016January 24, 2024

Some environmental groups and social justice advocates are fighting a proposed emissions tax in Washington. What gives?

Posted inOctober 3, 2016: Purple Rain

How the West’s populist politics play out at the ballot box

by Joshua Zaffos October 3, 2016January 26, 2024

Voter-driven ballot initiatives are a powerful force during the Western election season.

Posted inArticles

The Bundys go on trial

by Joshua Zaffos September 6, 2016January 24, 2024

Following Oregon occupation and Nevada standoff, a family that refuses to accept the federal government will have its day in court.

Posted inArticles

Where are the fracking fights this fall?

by Joshua Zaffos August 11, 2016January 24, 2024

Fracktivists look to exercise local control over energy development this November.

Posted inJuly 25, 2016: Salmon Power

‘Keep It in the Ground’ prompts online oil and gas leasing auctions

by Joshua Zaffos July 20, 2016January 24, 2024

Protests against drilling on public lands continue.

Posted inArticles

How will Trump act on conservation and public lands?

by Joshua Zaffos June 28, 2016January 24, 2024

Presidential campaigns offer a sneak peek into natural resource policies.

Posted inArticles

Big funds for Native American farmers and ranchers on the way

by Joshua Zaffos May 31, 2016January 24, 2024

The largest ever philanthropic fund for Indian Country stems from a 1999 class-action lawsuit.

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