What are public lands for? Now, finally, after many years of urging, an administration is cutting off new oil and gas leases on public lands. For years, public lands have been leased out to coal and gas interests rather than belonging to the public – that’s us! In fact, about a quarter of coal, oil, and gas production has come from public lands.
Moneyed interests ask—what’s their use if not to be exploited? A good example is the Powder River Basin (PRB) in southeast Montana and Northeast Wyoming. It has the largest coal mine in the world, but extraction causes pollution, pollutes the Cheyenne and Platte Rivers, as well as its tributaries.
The decision angered Republican lawmakers who claim there is a “war on coal.” Let’s hope so, for we need more renewables, cleaner energy to take care of the need for electricity. With our increase reliance on renewables, the PRB can continue to serve as a home for elk, Pronghorn antelope, mule deer, grouse, and many other creatures.
Prayer for the Day
You made the Pleiades and Orion, and turns deep night into morning,
Dimming day into twilight, and summons the waters of the sea.
Pouring them out onto the surface of the earth.
We stand in awe before you in gratitude for the world you have given us,
From the tiny sand crab scurrying about to the giant whales that grace the sea,
The magnificent elk and the lowly prairie dogs burrowing into their holes.
Let us not be so consumed so we miss the glory of all that is around us
We ask this in the name of the One who calls us to protect your creation,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
This means that billions of tons of coal won’t be burned, compared to business as usual. It’s good news, and it’s really the only defensible decision the BLM could have made, given the current climate crisis.
Shiloh Hernandez, attorney, Earthjustice
The nation’s electricity generation needs are being met increasingly by wind, solar and natural gas. The nation doesn’t need any increase in the amount of coal under lease out of the Powder River Basin.
Tom Sanzillo, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis
The high mountains are for the wild goats; the rocks are a refuge for the coneys.
You have made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its firm for setting.
You make darkness, and it is night, when all the animals of the forest come out.
Psalm 104: 18-20