Democrats hope increased Latino turnout will upset Republican dominance in the state.
State government
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Washington state implements rule to combat climate change
State Department of Ecology unveils initiative to cap and reduce the carbon pollution.
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California nixes funding for coal export terminals
Governor’s bill blocks transport to markets in Asia.
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West Obsessed: Genetics and the plight of Mexican wolves
Turf wars and management missteps have hurt the recovery of Arizona and New Mexico’s remaining wolf packs, leaving them dangerously inbred.
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Park Service ended a wolf study in Alaska, since so many have been killed
The state culled wolves that had been collared, and it’s no longer feasible to continue research.
Posted inAugust 8, 2016: Line of Descent
Line of descent: How poor management left Mexican wolves dangerously inbred
Missteps and conflict between the state and the feds have hounded the recovery of Arizona and New Mexico’s remaining wolf packs.
Posted inJuly 25, 2016: Salmon Power
Salmon power
A historic legal victory could give Alaska tribes more control over their fish, wildlife and homelands.
Posted inJuly 25, 2016: Salmon Power
Land transfer battles rage on, county by county
The American Lands Council supports local control but keeps its list of member counties secret.
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This year’s GOP platform pushes federal land transfers
“Returning” lands to states has long been a party plank and a shifting political landscape could open the door.
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We should be proud of delisting grizzlies
The bear is a huge conservation success story, and it shows that the Endangered Species Act works.
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Wyoming considers raising an already unique wind tax
Legislators say wind needs to pay its fair share, but critics fear a higher tax could drive energy—and revenue—away.
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New Mexico’s baby wolf swap worked. Why won’t state officials get on board?
It’s time for Gov. Susana Martinez to give wolf reintroductions the nod.
Posted inJune 13, 2016: Water to Dust
It’s time for our legislators to stop ignoring science
How public policy-making ought to work: Get the facts, make the policy.
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Note to politicians: Don’t mess with fishing access in Montana
A candidate for governor is drawing heat over revelations that he sued to close river access on the Gallatin River.
Posted inMay 16, 2016: Grizzly Face-Off
How Utah’s public defense system is failing the poor
The state is one of just two that provide no funding for the right to legal counsel, leaving local governments on the hook.
Posted inMay 2, 2016: The Gold King Reckoning
Will the ouster of California green leaders imperil clean air?
High-profile turnover at state agencies reflect a culture split between grassroots demands and developer interests.
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Solar gardens grow slowly out West
Legislative barriers to more widespread community solar remain, although some states are taking action.
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Will states find other revenue streams to weather the fossil fuel bust?
Powerhouses like Wyoming and Alaska are shrinking budgets, not looking for new sources of income.
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Uncertain future for Wyoming’s laid off coal miners
There’s some state support available but many workers face tough choices.
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How much do Western state budgets rely on extractive industries?
Resource-reliant states feel pinch as fossil-fuel revenue dwindles.