Items by Judith Lewis

The health hazards of California’s neighborhood drilling
The health hazards of California’s neighborhood drilling
Much of the state’s oil extraction takes place in residential areas, often in Spanish-speaking communities, but there’s a lack of research detailing its impact.
Green energy’s dirty secret
Green energy’s dirty secret
Industrial solar and wind endanger wildlife but are getting more support than ever.
BLM advances solar project that will harm bighorn sheep
BLM advances solar project that will harm bighorn sheep
The Bechtel Corporation’s Soda Mountain solar farm will undo decades of conservation in California.
The Los Angeles wetland wars
The Los Angeles wetland wars
Environmentalists saved a wetland from developers a decade ago. Now they’re trying to save it from each other.
Famous Los Angeles puma holes up in residents' crawlspace
Famous Los Angeles puma holes up in residents' crawlspace
The mountain lion brings attention to the role of urban wilds.
The West in 72 hours
The West in 72 hours
Asian tourists look for space, spectacles and a decent bowl of noodles.
An international street artist goes tagging in Joshua Tree
An international street artist goes tagging in Joshua Tree
The latest in a string of graffiti incidents in national parks.
Latest: New pesticide regulations for Oregon timber companies
Latest: New pesticide regulations for Oregon timber companies
Companies must now give officials at least a week’s notice before spraying.
California's water future at a crossroads
California's water future at a crossroads
A state commission begins deliberations on how to spend $2.7B for water storage.
Why are environmentalists mad at Jerry Brown?
Why are environmentalists mad at Jerry Brown?
The California governor has made bold moves on climate — but greens are disgruntled.
Regulators dampen hopes for tribal solar project
Regulators dampen hopes for tribal solar project
The Moapa Solar Energy Center would have provided 175 megawatts to Nevada's largest utility.
Will California's Proposition 1 give rise to more dams?
Will California's Proposition 1 give rise to more dams?
While some environmental groups support the water bond on Tuesday's ballot, some call it "mystery meat."
Regulators release report on viability of nuclear waste storage at Yucca
Regulators release report on viability of nuclear waste storage at Yucca
But it doesn't mean the Nevada site is safe — or even back on the docket.
Obama declares new national monument in the mountains above Los Angeles
Obama declares new national monument in the mountains above Los Angeles
Trails, campgrounds and wildlands will qualify for federal funding for improvements.
Has the Obama administration hobbled the Endangered Species Act?
Has the Obama administration hobbled the Endangered Species Act?
A new policy may set the law back half a century.
Solar in the desert finally gets some scrutiny
A plan for California desert conservation comes online
A plan for California desert conservation comes online
Will it stop more solar and wind projects from being built in the wrong places?
Michelle Huneven writes about place, addiction and love
Michelle Huneven writes about place, addiction and love
This California author examines lost years and life in the mountains.
Did Obama's Interior hobble the Endangered Species Act?
Did Obama's Interior hobble the Endangered Species Act?
A new policy sets the law back a half-century, conservationists say.
The Latest: EPA cuts pollution at the Navajo Generating Station
The Latest: EPA cuts pollution at the Navajo Generating Station
75 percent less haze predicted for nearby parks.
Was the fatal thunderstorm in California a climate phenomenon?
California gears up to fine water wasters: Should we turn our neighbors in?
The transformative power of... efficiency
The leak heard ‘round the nuclear industry
The leak heard ‘round the nuclear industry
A radioactive leak in New Mexico will make solutions to our waste problem even more elusive.
How to cut carbon: Change the way utilities make money
Why we risk life and property
Why we risk life and property
Dangerous places in the West are often the most desirable.
The energy haves and have-nots
The energy haves and have-nots
Will rooftop solar owners get off the grid — and leave other power users in the dark?
Go West, clean megawatts
Go West, clean megawatts
Nevada stakes its renewable energy future on California.
California's energy policies have ripple effects across the West
California's energy policies have ripple effects across the West
As the Golden State shifts from coal to clean, economies in other states feel it too.
High Country News Classifieds
  • NORTHERN NEW MEXICO PROJECT MANAGER
    Seeking qualified Northern New Mexico Project Manager to provide expertise, leadership and support to the organization by planning, cultivating, implementing and managing land conservation activities....
  • NORTH FORK RECREATION DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR
    The NFPPRD District Administrator provides leadership and managerial services associated with the Recreation District. Facilities include a seasonal pool, ballfields, bike trails, tennis/pickleball and skateboarding....
  • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BADLANDS CONSERVATION ALLIANCE
    The Executive Director of the Badlands Conservation Alliance (BCA) builds and leads a premiere North Dakota advocacy group that serves to protect the ecology of...
  • CLIMATE FELLOW
    Application deadline: Monday, March 6th, 2023, at 5 p.m. MST. Anticipated start date: May 15, 2023 About the position Are you ready to craft an...
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  • SENIOR SPECIALIST, LANDSCAPE CONNECTIVITY YELLOWSTONE TO YUKON CONSERVATION INITIATIVE
    About the Organization Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) is a joint Canada-U.S. not-for-profit organization with a mission to connect and protect wildlife habitat from...
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    High Country News, an award-winning magazine covering the communities and environment of the Western United States, seeks applicants for a Virginia Spencer Davis fellow. The...
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    The Grants Manager is a passionate information manager, fundraiser, and communicator versed in government and foundation grant and cooperative agreement writing and management, specifically to...
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    The Communications Director is a passionate communications professional versed in conservation and regenerative agriculture, as well as nonprofit communications and data management across several program...
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    The Education and Outreach Director is a people-oriented facilitator, communications wizard, and team leader who has experience designing, managing, and fundraising for land based educational...
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    Restored traditional adobe home in No. New Mexico on 1+ acre site, irrigation water, separate large shop/studio. Please email for photos/full description.
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    High Country News, an award-winning magazine covering the communities and environment of the Western United States, is looking for its next cohort of editorial interns....
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    hat We Can Achieve Together: If you are a detailed individual that takes pride in your accuracy, this position may be the perfect opportunity for...
  • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - LEMHI COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY (SALMON, IDAHO)
    Are you ready to take the reins at Lemhi County Humane Society and make a difference in the lives of countless animals? We are seeking...
  • ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSTRUCTION GEOPHYSICS
    We characterize contaminated sites, identify buried drums, tanks, debris and also locate groundwater.
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    The Clark Fork Coalition (CFC) seeks an enthusiastic Development Director to lead all fundraising activities in support of our mission to protect and restore the...
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    The Matador Ranch Manager directs operations, communication, and maintenance for TNC Montana's Matador Ranch preserve with a focus on ecological management and restoration, grazing management,...
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    Native plant seeds for the Western US. Trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers and regional mixes. Call or email for free price list. 719-942-3935. [email protected] or visit...
  • CEO BUFFALO NATIONS GRASSLANDS ALLIANCE
    Chief Executive Officer, Remote Exempt position for Buffalo Nations Grasslands Alliance is responsible for the planning and organization of BNGA's day-to-day operations
  • "PROFILES IN COURAGE: STANDING AGAINST THE WYOMING WIND"
    13 stories of extraordinary courage including HCN founder Tom Bell, PRBRC director Lynn Dickey, Liz Cheney, People of Heart Mountain, the Wind River Indian Reservation...