Data gaps, understaffing and lax investigations have deepened the crisis.
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What the 2018 farm bill means for the West
Lawmakers see hemp legalization and conservation funding as the big wins.
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New Trump administration proposal weakens water protections
Dramatic changes to the Clean Water Rule will likely affect drinking water for more than one-third of Americans.
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Update: Razorback sucker populations are increasing
The endangered fish seem to be recovering in the San Juan River.
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More plans, less protection for sage grouse
A final environmental assessment weakens drilling restrictions on millions of acres.
Posted inFebruary 4, 2019: Nizhoni Girls
Extreme heat hits Tucson’s poor neighborhoods hardest
Where city efforts fall short, activists try to add shade to the heat-stressed south side.
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Update: Court blocks old-growth logging in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest
Meanwhile, the Trump administration pushes to allow roads and more cutting.
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Settlement forces Oregon to update water pollution permits
In 2017, the state had the worst backlog of expired permits nationwide.
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Congress sends bill bolstering earthquake program to Trump
A quake near Anchorage highlights the importance of preparation and monitoring.
Posted inDecember 10, 2018: Critical Mass
Latest: BLM abandons plan to surgically sterilize wild horses
The agency will focus on increasing adoption of horses and research other methods.
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Feds fail to prosecute crimes in Indian Country
U.S. attorneys’ offices declined a third of referred cases in 2017, a quarter of which were sexual assault cases.
Posted inDecember 10, 2018: Critical Mass
Latest: Top National Park Service climate official resigns
Marcy Rockman cites pressure from agency.
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Climate report details deep hits to the Southwest
Climate change will impact economy, infrastructure and more.
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After the Camp Fire, forensic teams seek the lost
For response teams in Paradise, physical and emotional risks remain.
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What is lost when cultural sites are bulldozed?
Southwestern tribes learn of possible heritage destruction at the hands of Arizona State Parks and Trails.
Posted inNovember 26, 2018: Follow the fish
Latest: Trump’s BLM approves a massive California solar plant
Opponents cite potential harm to desert wildlife, views and sand dunes.
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Trump narrows asylum protections
Attention drawn to the southern border could bring lasting changes to immigration policy.
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In the West, climate action falters on the ballot
While climate-focused candidates won key races in the region, ballot initiatives to limit fossil fuels’ effects failed.
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One of the midterm’s most stubborn House races is still too close to call
In the past, a Republican incumbent won this New Mexico district by over 60 percent, but Democrat Xochitl Torres Small has closed the gap.
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Colorado’s top offices go blue
Midterm voters elected Jared Polis, the nation’s first openly gay governor.