Energy & Industry

Can Western states afford to break the boom-and-bust cycle?
Can Western states afford to break the boom-and-bust cycle?
Climate action on public lands would force a reckoning for fossil fuel dependent states and communities.
Carl Segerstrom Analysis Aug. 7, 2019
The fallout of uncertainty in nuclear test communities
The fallout of uncertainty in nuclear test communities
For downwinders of bomb testing, plans for compensation to redress past harms makes for tricky politics.
Aria Alamalhodaei Aug. 2, 2019
New Mexico’s economic and energy extraction quagmire
New Mexico’s economic and energy extraction quagmire
‘We’re on a death train, economically.’
Jonathan Thompson Analysis Aug. 1, 2019
With coal in free fall, Wyoming faces an uncertain future
With coal in free fall, Wyoming faces an uncertain future
As demand shrinks and the industry retracts, counties and the state are in an untenable situation.
Carl Segerstrom Analysis July 17, 2019 From the print edition
The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe goes solar
The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe goes solar
An image of sovereignty in the Colorado high desert.
Avery White Photos July 16, 2019
Staffers allege misconduct at BLM’s busiest oil and gas office
Staffers allege misconduct at BLM’s busiest oil and gas office
Complaints to Interior’s Office of Inspector General reveal concerns that the Carlsbad Field Office broke laws to favor industry.
Tay Wiles News July 11, 2019 From the print edition
New Wyoming coal company abandons mines and miners
New Wyoming coal company abandons mines and miners
State officials are picking up the pieces after Blackjewel goes belly up.
Andrew Graham July 8, 2019
New Mexico’s oil boom has made rural roads deadly
New Mexico’s oil boom has made rural roads deadly
As oil wells multiply in the Permian Basin, the influx of heavy vehicles exacerbates risks for those living in the area.
April Reese July 2, 2019
It’s time to move the Bureau of Land Management out of D.C.
It’s time to move the Bureau of Land Management out of D.C.
(Most) of those living in the West have the public lands’ best interest at heart.
Jonathan Thompson Opinion June 26, 2019
Oregon Republicans are hiding to avoid a climate-bill vote
Oregon Republicans are hiding to avoid a climate-bill vote
This is the second time the group of state lawmakers have walked out this year.
Kate Yoder News June 21, 2019
Rep. Xochitl Torres Small offers lessons in rural politics
Rep. Xochitl Torres Small offers lessons in rural politics
The Democratic congresswoman won a conservative region by talking about concerns all Westerners share.
Nick Bowlin Interview June 20, 2019 From the print edition
The rapid thaw of Alaska will accelerate global heating
The rapid thaw of Alaska will accelerate global heating
The state’s warmest spring on record will have planet-wide repercussions.
Oliver Milman June 17, 2019
Public lands top Rep. Debra Haaland’s agenda
Public lands top Rep. Debra Haaland’s agenda
One of the first Native American women elected to Congress is fighting fossil fuel development on ‘the most pristine and beautiful places in our country.’
Jimmy Tobias May 24, 2019
The hidden consequences of New Mexico’s latest oil boom
The hidden consequences of New Mexico’s latest oil boom
Carlsbad residents are experiencing health impacts, but the science behind their woes lags behind the pace of drilling.
Tay Wiles May 22, 2019 From the print edition
Will the Trump administration boost uranium?
Will the Trump administration boost uranium?
Energy industry lobbying could lead to more mining from Bears Ears to Wyoming.
Jonathan Thompson Perspective May 9, 2019 From the print edition
Interior secretary blames Congress for his inaction on climate change
Interior secretary blames Congress for his inaction on climate change
There’s no law to make him address the climate and biodiversity crises, David Bernhardt said: ‘You guys come up with the shalls.’
Chris D’Angelo News May 9, 2019
5 reasons to keep geotagging
5 reasons to keep geotagging
Public lands face far greater threats than recreational overuse.
Danielle Williams Opinion May 3, 2019
Judge orders industries to pay royalties for public land extraction
Judge orders industries to pay royalties for public land extraction
Tens of millions more dollars will flow into Western communities after a federal court throws out the Trump administration’s industry-friendly deal.
Nick Bowlin News April 25, 2019
Trump’s infrastructure order threatens local right to protect the environment
Trump’s infrastructure order threatens local right to protect the environment
Washington blocked a coal terminal under the Clean Water Act. New rules could subvert that authority.
Carl Segerstrom Analysis April 24, 2019 From the print edition
Trump administration rubber stamps Arizona copper mine
Trump administration rubber stamps Arizona copper mine
An industry-friendly ruling contradicts years of concerns over potential damage to endangered species, water systems and Native American cultural sites.
Nick Bowlin April 12, 2019
Climate cases set the stage for oil and gas leasing reform
Climate cases set the stage for oil and gas leasing reform
The decisions could curb greenhouse gas emissions from public lands.
Carl Segerstrom Analysis April 10, 2019 From the print edition
A silver lining to sage grouse rollbacks?
A silver lining to sage grouse rollbacks?
While there’s less protection overall, a few Western states restore regulations that match or surpass original plans.
Nick Bowlin News March 28, 2019
Can the tools of capitalism curb climate change?
Can the tools of capitalism curb climate change?
Investors are pushing companies to reckon with their environmental impacts.
Carl Segerstrom March 27, 2019 From the print edition
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