CO2 Not an Issue for Coal-Fired Power Plants?
December 2008 -- In a surprising move, the administrator for the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced recently via a memo that carbon dioxide emissions would not be a regulated pollutant when assessing and approving coal-fired power plants. This decision may ultimately speed up the approval process when siting such plants.
New Secretary of Interior "Understands Western Water"
December 2008 -- Recently, as members of the Colorado River Water Users Association met in Las Vegas this week, Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne asserted that new Secretary of the Interior nominee, Colorado Senator Ken Salazar, understands western water issues, especially those involving the Colorado River.
New Farm Foundation Report Analyzes Future Global Food Supply
December 2008 -- A recent report from the Farm Fpundation explores our global food supply and likely patterns of distributipn over the next 30 years. As we meet a growing demand and increasingly global network of food suppliers, this report helps sort out the different meanings of food security in the decades to come.
Rates of Business Bankruptcies Skyrocket in West
December 2008 -- Small and large businesses in the West are dealing with bankruptcies at a high rate, with business bankruptcies up 91% in Utah, 111% in Oregon, and 83% in California.
Solar Power Still an Economic 'Hot Spot'
December 2008 -- Despite the faltering economy, even involving the energy sector (see below), it seems solar power is still a growing industry. In fact, officials of the Washington-based Solar Energy Industries Association report that installations of sloar energy sources increased 45% between 2006 and 2007. They further assert that the number of jobs in the industry will more than double in the next eight years.
Energy Still Booming in West?
December 2008 -- A panel recently organized by the Independent Petroleum Association of Mountain States discussed the recent slow-down in the Western energy economy, as the rest of the economy slows even further.
States in the West Ready to Start on Projects
December 2008 -- As President-Elect Obama readies his large-scale public works plan for passage before January 20, states from the West - including Arizona, Idaho, and Colorado - make long lists of projects that are ready to go.
UNLV Researchers Find Colorado River Already Impacted by Climate Change
December 2008 -- Studies just completed by University of Nevada - Las Vegas researchers using longitudinal data show that climate change has already resulted in reduced water flow in the Colorado, a lifeline for many Western states.
New DOE Report Says Yucca Mountain Must be Expanded
December 2008 -- The Department of Energy released a report recently concluding that if Yucca Mountain is to hold our nation's nuclear waste, it must be expanded to three times the current proposed size. Storage of nuclear waste at the site, however, remains controversial and elicits a variety of responses from leaders.
National Parks Vital to Utah Economy, Report Says
December 2008 -- A report released recently says that Utah's national parks and monuments make a large impact on the state's economy, providing 11,000 jobs and $485 million for the state's economy. This means that for every $1 of taxpayer money spent on the parks, $4 in income is generated.
Pres.-Elect Obama Announces Massive Public Works Plan
December 2008 -- Many of us in the West are reeling from job losses and a still-slowing economy. In order to combat the US portion of the global recession, Obama has begun to outline his plans for a large-scale public works improvement program, the largest since the building of the interstate system a half-century ago. The program will include projects to revtialize and improve roads and bridges as well as create new "green" jobs in the increasingly eco-conscious economy.
In the West, Water and Electricity Intertwine
December 2008 -- As energy issues, global warming, and resource scarcity become increasingly urgent issues, a governor's meeting highlights the interdependence of water and electricity.
President-Elect and Congress Work on a 'Green' Stimulus Package
December 2008 -- Barack Obama, his advisors, and Congressional representatives have been working on a new economic stimulus package that will encourage green activity along with economic revitalization. Among other measures, the plan would offer billions of dollars to local and state governments in order to improve infrastructure and transportation.
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson Accepts Nomination for Secretary of Commerce
December 2008 -- Yet another Western governor has been appointed by President-Elect Barack Obama. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson recently accepted a nomination to become the new Secretary of Commerce.
Wyoming Landowners Organize Around Wind
December 2008 -- With alternative energy the new buzzphrase, many Wyoming landowners have seen people from outside their communities moving in to make money from developments such as wind farms. Residents in three Wyoming counties - Albany, Converse and Platte - have recently organized to better and more collectively negotiate any deals such as land leasing that energy developers may want. Other states, such as Colorado and New Mexico, have also seen such collective activity among landowners and concerned citizens in their communities.
Drought along Colorado River to Limit Water Supply
December 2008 -- Water scientists have recently announced that if drought conditions in the West continue as they have for the ladt few years, people in states such as Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming and Colorado may face serious water shortages in coming years.
Bush's Outgoing Administration Issues 61 'Midnight Regulations'
December 2008 -- Because any changes made to federal law that may result in over $100 million in annual cost must be made 60 days before an administration departs, the Bush administration recently made 61 such changes at the very last minute. Many of these changes have the potential to affect Westerners, such as changes to mining and Endangered Species Act regulations, as well as legislation affecting logging, energy development, and oil shale drilling activities. These regulations (most of them deregulations) will be costly and complicated for taxpayers to overturn. Many of these changes will benefit local industries, not local taxpayers.
Western States Feeling the Pinch of Economic Recession; Meet with Representatives
December 2008 -- Throughout the West, governors and other state leaders are meeting with members of Congress to try to hammer out a stimulus plan that will leave states like Idaho, Nevada, and Utah better-equipped to deal with budget shortfalls and states like Arizona better able to deal with dramatic decreases in customer spending.
Arizona Governor Appointed to President-Elect's National Security Team
December 2008 -- President-Elect Barack Obama recently announced his national security team, one prominent member of which is Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, appointed to take over as Secretary of Homeland Security in January. She announced she will "stay at the helm" in Arizona until the transition is complete.
National eCommerce Extension Initiative Aids Rural Businesses Through Website
December 2008 -- eCommerce's Extension Initiative website, launched in 2003, is addressing various factors that will dictate the adoption and diffusion of e-commerce innovations in rural areas. These factors include such topics as whether rural areas have the technology in place to embrace e-commerce applications, whether these businesses understand how e-commerce can benefit their operations, and whether Extension educators have the resources to provide adequate educational support to small businesses. You can visit the site by clicking the link above or going to: http://srdc.msstate.edu/ecommerce/background.html.
New Report Confirms Importance of Immigrants to US Economy
December 2008 -- A US Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy-sponsored report from Robert Fairlie of the University of California-Santa Cruz has very recently established that immigrants to the US make a "huge impact" on the economy. Overall, they account for over 11% of the income generated in 2000 and in some states like California, the number is even higher.
Food Stamp Use Grows Throughout Nation
November 2008 -- With the holiday season upon us and the economy unstable, recent reports show that nearly 30 million people will be using food stamps this month. If so, this will surpass the millions who needed them after Hurricane Katrina and points to the growing numbers of people affected by hunger in the US.
Obama Transition Team Meets with Western Governors
November 2008 -- Both Utah governor Jon Huntsman Jr. and Montana governor Brian Schweitzer met recently with President-Elect Obama's transition team in order to discuss climate change, energy issues, and how Western leaders feel about those issues. In particular, the two governors presented the transition team with an outline of their proposed plan for the next administration, including ideas for cap-and-trade policies, land use plans, and strategies for reducing local dependence on foreign oil. The proposal was supported by 14 Western governors, underscoring its nonpartisan tone.
Bush Administration Pushes for Deregulation of Endangered Species Act
November 2008 -- Among the departing administration's slew of deregulations attempted before January 20, the Bush administration has recently been working to change a key component of the Endangered Species Act. According to this new legislation, each federal agency involved would be charged with monitoring whether their own projects had negative environmental repercussions. As of now, independent agencies - the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service - have been the monitors. The measure could pass within weeks, and many say it takes away some of the Act's power.
More Job Losses for Western Miners
November 2008 -- As economic troubles continue to be felt in the West, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. recently laid off over 700 workers in three states, including New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona. The majority of job losses were in Arizona.
Hydraulic Fracturing Causes Water Contamination in Wyoming
November 2008 -- A recent report from ProPublica found that benzene levels 1500 times their allowed EPA amounts were found in local drinking water in portions of Wyoming. The report further confirms that the contamination resulted from hydraulic fracturing, a process that pumps large amounts of water, sand and chemicals several miles underground to break apart rock to release natural gas deposits. Despite this, in 2004 the EPA published reports that the practice posed no threat to local groundwater supplies.
Carsey Institute Researchers Offer Advice for Economic Development in Rural Communities
November 2008 -- In a recently released study, the Carsey Institute has identified some of the main considerations for rural communities attempting to develop economically. Their policy breif offers much advice to rural communities interested in sustainable development ideas.
Job Losses Throughout West
November 2008 -- The recent economic crisis has led to an increased number of mandatory vacations and layoffs throughout the West, from New Mexico to Nevada to Colorado and Arizona, in all sectors of employment.
Advisors Warn EPA: Regulate Perchlorate!
November 2008 -- Scientific advisors for the EPA have expressed concern over the EPA's recent decision to not regulate perchlorate. The chemical, from rocket fuel, has been found in the water in 35 states and scientists are concerned it could cause human and environmental health complications.
Utah Communities Express Concerns over Land/Energy Leases
November 2008 -- Various communities in Utah, including Moab, are expressing concerns over the environmental and human safety repercussions of the BLM's lease of energy rights in areas of Utah. Specifically, Moab residents fear that drilling leases given near their community will cause issues with their water aquifer and drinking water.
Groups in 4 Corners Area Sue BLM for Pollution
November 2008 -- Dine CARE and WildEarth Guardians both filed lawsuits against the BLM charging that the agency had not regulated emissions from oil and gas extraction in the Four Corners region. As a result, the group allege, there has been an unacceptably high level of ozone in the air near the site.
Western States Wonder What Pres.-Elect Obama will Mean for Public Lands
November 2008 -- Residents of Wyoming and other Western states speculate on what sort of shifts could occur after President Bush's administration is succeeded by that of Pres.-Elect Barack Obama in January. While some worry that new regulations may impact Wyoming's economy but some locals say they are encouraged by Obama's moderate leadership style, his encouragement of localleadership and decisonmaking, and his understanding of the region's reliance on all things energy. Many wait to see who the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture will be.
Colorado Senator Urges Pres.-Elect Obama to Appoint Western Cabinet Members
November 2008 -- Already naming cabinet members, President-elect Obama has now heard from Colorado Senator Ken Salazar, who urged him to select a western governor to serve in his cabinet to deal with energy and public lands issues. Salazar suggested Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano for attorney general, Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer or Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal for interior secretary, and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson for secretary of state.
Ozone Pollution Affecting Western States, Rural Areas
November 2008 -- Though ozone used to be a problem affecting primarily urban centers, it seems that rural Western areas are now affected by the pollutant as well. Ozone levels recorded recently have violated clean air standards, even in very rural areas such as the Four Corners region.
Bush Administration Pushes for Deregulations
November 2008 -- In his last months in office, President Bush is making deregulation a goal. Some of his targets may lead to lower safety regulations protecting consumers as well as environmental regulations. Among the Bush administration's final deregulation attempts are an easing of regulations on power plant emissions and another that eases restrictions on coal-fired power plant emissions near national parks.
Western States Top List of States with Most Uninsured Children
November 2008 -- New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada were among the five states with the most uninsured children, according to a new report by Families USA. Compunding the problem is the fact that Western states usually have sparser public health programs.
Hopi Tribe Divided Over Proposed Coal Mine
November 2008 -- A proposed coal mine in northern Arizona is causing quite a stir. Though Peabody Western Coal Company wants to see through the Black Mesa coal project and expand their mining in the area on tribal land, and it is reported by some that they are looking to do so before the new administration takes the reins in January. Consequently, the Hopi Tribal Council is divided, with the Chairman speculating that supporters of the project may be trying to oust him and push through a hurried environmental impact statement.
New Programs Aid Rural Cancer Patients
November 2008 -- A new program, supported by several national-level grants is helping some rural residents receive better cancer care. Through local branches of the American Cancer Society, volunteers are taking locals the long distance to chemotherapry treatments and other medical appointments, as well as holding local information sessions on topics important to the local populations and community members. All of these efforts make cancer treatment and information much more accessible to rural residents, who are at times far away from help and resources.
Montana State Extension Announces New Grant Opportunities
November 2008 -- For those of you looking for local grant opportunities, visit the link above to leanr of new grants being offered through Montana State Extension.
Job Metric Tool Helps Communities Anayze Economic Opportunities
November 2008 -- A new tool available on-lineallows communities to gauge the potential success of new businesses and/or industries their communities may be considering. In particular, the tool allows local residents to calculate how many jobs, what sort of wages, and overall quaity of jobs and benefits offered for locals that may be employed in the industry.
USDA Announcs $462 Million in Rural Broadband Loans
November 2008 -- The USDA's Agriculture Undersecretary for Rural Development recently announced that the agency will loan a substantial amount of money to rural communities in the US in order for them to improve their telecommunications and broadband infrastructure and services.
Interior Secretary Announces Geothermal Energy Plan Affecting 12 Western States
October 2008 -- Interior Secretary Kempthorne announced recently that over 190 million acres of federal land would be opened up to development of geothermal energy. Idaho alone will have 20 leasing sites, along with Utah with 18 leasing sites and Wyoming with 13.
States Throughout West See Dramatic Increase in Needy Families
October 2008 -- In Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and other Western states, homeless shelters have had to open early, have faced increased demand along with local food banks, and the problme appears to be worsening as housing crisi continues to plague families.
Dinosaur 'Dance Floor' Found on Utah-Arizona Border
October 2008 -- For all you geology/paleontology buffs, a recent finding near the Vermilion Cliffs on the Utah-Arizona border has proven both exciting and educational. Over 1000 separate dinosaur tracks have been discovered, offering scientists clues about the social lives of dinosaurs.
Navajo Nation Charter School Keeps 'Perfect Score' on No Child Left Behind Reqs
October 2008 -- Navajo Prep, a Navajo-run charter school - has made acceptable progress towards No Child Left Behind performance and test requirements. The school and its students have steadily improved over the past seven years.
Groundwater Contamination Found in Washington Counties
October 2008 -- Residents in the Lower Valley/Yakima area of Washington State have recently discovered high levels of nitrates in their groundwater, which many residents have used for drinking water. Despite these findings and the health problems nitrates cause, little has been done to address residents' concerns.
BLM May Remove Some Portions of 1976 Public Lands Act
October 2008 -- Along with some recent decisions involving uranium mining near the Grand Canyon, the Bureau of Land Management may remove a provision in the 1976 Public Lands Act that allows the interior secretary or House or Senate natural resources committees to call for emergency withdrawal of BLM lands "to protect natural resources or resource values that otherwise would be lost."
Colorado Reviews its Voter Registration Process Amid Criticism
October 2008 -- Reacting to accusations from the New York Times that they had incorrectly removed voters from their rolls, Colorado's Secretary of Stat's office has vowed to review those removals.
Cost and Availability of Healthcare an Issue Throughout West
October 2008 -- According to Census data and a new study by Families USA, respectively, it has been found that healthcare is most lacking in Western states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. In addition, though wages are stagnating, Families USA has found that healthcare costs are skyrocketing, costing Westerners an increasingly large proportion of their incomes.
Drill Baby Drill? Oil and Gas Development Causing Problems for Rural Towns
October 2008 -- A recent report from CNN looks at some of the more negative effects of the West's current domestic oil and gas boom. Though such activity may be welcome economically, local residents are expressing deep concerns over groundwater contamination, severe air pollution, congestion on main street, and lack of corporate investment in their towns.
Wyoming Doing Well, Despite National Economic Slump
October 2008 -- While other states in the West find themselves facing budget crises, housing problems, and increases in bankruptcy, Wyoming is experiencing an economic upswing. Over the past few years, production of natural gas has been up, while other extractive industries are doing quite well there. What does this success mean for locals? Good-paying jobs and state-level budget surpluses!
Researcher Captures Sounds of the West
October 2008 -- A University of Utah research librarian, Jeff Rice, has announced his plans to record every natural sound in the West. When he completes this daunting task, the sounds will be housed in the Western Soundscape Archive.
Nevada Becomes Focus in Last Weeks of Presidential Race
October 2008 -- Nevada is typically a shoe-in for Republican candidates at the state and local level. However, as the economic worries take hold, there are now more registered Democrats than Republicans in the state, leaving many wondering whethere the state's electoral votes will ultimately be awarded to Senator Obama or Senator McCain.
Mercury Levels in Fish Too High in Five New Utah Locations, Officials Say
October 2008 -- State officials recently announced that mercury levels in five popular fishing spots in Utah may be too high, making comsumption of fish from those lakes dangerous. This is especially true for women who are or may become pregnant as well as children under fourteen. Consult the link above for further information on the names and locations of those reservoirs and rivers.
Radiation Standards for Yucca Mountain May be Too Low
October 2008 -- The EPA recently announced that it had set radiation standards for areas in and around Yucca Mountain, the proposed site of a large nuclear waster repository. However, critics such as Nevada Senator Harry Reid argue that the standards are too lax to adequately protect the public.
West's Former Mining Towns not so Enthusiastic Now
October 2008 -- As extractive industries such as mining experience another boom throuhgout the West, some communities aren't so eager to slip back into their former roles as mining communities. Cripple Creek, Colorado, once a mining town and now a tourist center, is just one example of rural Western communities currently resisting attempts to renew mining in and around their homes and businesses.
Number of Homeless Grows in West, Especially Utah and Montana
October 2008 -- As the economic instability continues to affect all Americans, many Western residents are having to turn to already over-crowded shelters. In addition, the numbers of homeless students is on the rise.
New Grant Opportunity to Spark e-Commerce Education Growth
October 2008 -- The SRDC is excited to announce an opportunity for Extension educators to promote e-Commerce development by implementing one of the curriculum products that will be showcased as part of its e-Commerce 2008 Webinar Series launching this fall. Extension educators are invited to apply for mini – grants of $3,000 to implement these curricula designed to serve as catalysts for e-Commerce growth. Successful grantees will provide training and leadership to implement one or more e-Commerce learning modules in single or multiple counties/parishes.
Stakeholder Input Sought for Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program
October 2008 -- The 2007 Farm Bill has made available $18 million in fiscal year 2009 to fund a Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) through a competitive grants process administered by CSREES. Stakeholder input for the FY 2009 funding cycle will continue through November 14, 2008. The Request for Applications is expected to be released in January 2009 with a 60-day open period. CSREES is seeking stakeholder comments from the public in developing and implementing regulation for BFRDP. Comments must include the reference: CSREES-2008-0003, and must be received by close of business on Friday, November 14, 2008.
EPA Cites Cost as Number One Reason for not Declaring Public Health Emergency
September 2008 -- Though the level of asbestos contamination in and around Libby, Montana makes it a public health hazard, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declined to designate it as a public health emergency. Why? According to one EPA official's comments, the EPA was concerned that, though warranted, such actions could spark an expensive, nation-wide asbestos remediation program, as well as bring about panic around the country.
Western Climate Alliance Announces New Plan
24 September 2008 -- The Western Climate Initiative - a group which includes Arizona, Utah, Montana, New Mexico, California, Oregon, Washington, and a few Canadian provinces - have announced their newest plan to reduce carbon emissions by 15% by 2020.
Montana and Wyoming Try to Get Kids Back Outside
September 2008 -- With video games, computers, and hundreds of television channels, today's children have plenty of indoor technologies to distract them from outdoor pursuits and hobbies. In response, states in the West are holding summits to address these issues and plan strategies for getting even rural children back outside. For example, the Montana Children and Nature Summit is being held in Helena, MT on Tuesday, 23 September.
National Park Service Announces Plan for Uranium Mine Clean Up Near Grand Canyon
September 2008 -- The NPS recently announced plans to remediate the area around Orphan Mine, just 2 miles from Grand Canoyn Village. The NPS hopes that the mine, which operated until 1969 and still has high levels of contamination, will be included as part of the federal Superfund program.
GAO Report Finds Taxpayers Cheated out of Oil and Gas Royalties
September 2008 -- The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently released a report that found that the Mineral Management Service did such a poor job of monitoring oil, gas, and other energy/natural resource extraction operations in the West - especially in Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah - that taxpayers may have been cheated out of billions of dollars in royalties.
USDA Announces $4 Million in Awards Granted to Tribal Colleges
19 September 2008 -- The USDA Agriculture Secretary announced today that tribal colleges throughout the US have been awarded $4 million in grant monies through the USDA Rural Development Tribal College Grant Program. The grants will allow many local colleges to make infrastructure improvements, as well as improving conditions and technologies in individual classrooms.
Yucca Mountain Application Now Under Review
September 2008 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has officially begun to review the application for storing radioactive waste within Yucca Mountain in Nevada. The federal government's application specifies their plans for building a low-level radioactive waste repository within the mountain and has stirred up much controversy for the past few years.
US Has Highest Jobless Rate in 5 Years
September 2008 -- Affecting rural and urban Westerners alike, the newest unemployment numbers reflect the reality many of us have been living for months. August unemployment rates jumped to 6.1%, the highest percentage of unemployed persons in the US in 5 years. In addition, the rate has risen steadily over the past 8 months.
Oil Shale Deposits in 3 Western States in BLM's Energy Plans
September 2008 -- The Bureau of Land Management has recently announced that it plans to open nearly 2 million acres of public lands to oil shale development, including lands in Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah. The report, released a month later than planned, opens up the issue to a public opinion comment period but little is known about what technology will be used for the shale extraction.
Home-Generated Wind Power?
September 2008 -- As alternative and renewable sources of energy become a national focus, people have been buying up small, home-sized versions of the large wind turbines. While the latter have been growing in size, scope, and are creating relatively cheap energy, we have yet to see if the small, home-based turbines will be as efficient and cost-effective.
Utah Becomes the Only State Accepting Low-Level Nuclear Waste
September 2008 -- Utah state officials have recently become concerned over the state's growing reputation as a storage site for low-level radioactive waste, particularly the county of Tooele in the northern part of the state. The public is also growing increasingly concerned about both the reality and reputation that come along with an image as a storage state for most of the low-level radioactive waste produced, now that another plant in South Carolina has closed.
New Alternative Power Plant Opens in Arizona
September 2008 -- Earlier this month, the state of Arizona celebrated the grand opening of a new renewable energy power plant. The plant will produce electricity from wood chips.
Montana Town May be Designated Superfund Site
September 2008 -- High levels of arsenic, lead, and other heavy metals have been found around an old smelter site in the Montana town of Black Eagle. The town may be designated as a Superfund site as a result, though some local residents and homeowners have taken issue with the designation. This despite the extra remediation money such a designation could bring to the small town.
USDA Anounces Recipients of Value-Added Grant
September 2008 -- The USDA recently announced the names of the 144 recipients of its $19 million in grant monies for its Value-Added Producer Grant porgram. Grants were given to people or organizations with the most innovative proposals in terms of adding value through diverse agricultural practices, through the marketing and implementation of renewable energies, etc.
USDA Announces Public Meeting on Farm Bill and Renewable Energy
August 2008 -- Agriculture Undersecretary for Rural Development Thomas Door announced that a public meeting will be held 4 September 2008, at which how to implement renewable energy programs authorized under the recent Farm Bill.
USDA Awards $35 Million for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects
27 August 2008 -- The USDA announced today that it has awarded over $35 million in grants and loans to businesses and individuals throughout the US. The financial assistance will aid in developing renewable energy and more energy efficient systems for farms and other business operations.
Carsey Institute Publishes Reports on Rural America
August 2008 -- "Place Matters: Challenges and Opportunities in Four Rural Americas" examines rural America based on four broad places: Amenity-rich; Declining resource-dependent; Chronically poor; and Amenity/decline. This report is based on a survey of over 7800 rural Americans from throughout the country and offers profiles and policy considerations. For more about the Carsey Institute visit their website: http://www.carseyinstitute.unh.edu/
RCAC's Farm Worker Fund Aided Many Throughout Region
August 2008 -- The Rural Community Assistance Corporation's Farm Worker Fund is a donor-supported effort to assist significant projects that benefit farm workers and their families. Read about the organizations that received funding in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California.
Battle Over Uranium Mining Near Rim of Grand Canyon
August 2008 -- Many more uranium mines are currently being considered near to the Grand Canyon. This despite the continual leaching of radioactive waste into the Colorado River from 1950s-era uranium mines. Though the latter pollution is diluted, several officials are expressing concern that accumulations of contamination with increased mining may have large-scale health impacts on the millions who receive drinking water from the Colorado River.
Two Huge Solar Plants to be Built in California
August 2008 -- 12.5 square miles in San Luis Obispo County in California will soon be occupied by 2 large solar power plants. In ther middle of a sunny day, the facilities will be able to produce 800 megawatts of electricity, which is similar to a small nuclear power plant or a coal-fired power plant.
New Report Links West's Wildfires to Global Warming
August 2008 -- A new report put out by the National Wildlife Federation echoes findings of previous reports by confirming a connection between changing climate and increased numbers and intensity of wildfires in the West. In particular, unusually dry conditions and hotter temperatures, combined with fire suppression techniques, have contributed to the flurry of western wildfires.
Two Wind Energy Plants to be Built in Colorado
August 2008 -- The town of Brighton, Colorado will soon have 1350 more jobs to offer residents. Vestas Wind Systems, a Danish company, has announced plans to build two wind power-related plants in the city, one of which will manufacture wind turbines.
American Indian College Enrollment Up, But Graduation Rates Less Optimistic
August 2008 -- The New Mexico Higher Education Department announced recent findings that enrollment numbers for American Indians in their 25 colleges and universities are up. However, the number of those students who actually graduate with a four-year or associates degree are much smaller than they should be.
New Report Finds that Drivers in Western States Reducing Their MIles Most
August 2008 -- A new report by the Federal Highway Administration recently released a report that found that Americans reduced their driving by 12.2 billion miles in June. The most significant drops occurred in Western states that are especially popular vacation sites, such as Idaho, Nevada, and Washington. No word on what this says about the well-being of the tourism sector in these Western states.
Nature of Work in West May Change with Rising Commuting Costs
August 2008 -- States such as Utah and Arizona are implementing or seriously considering 4-day work weeks to cut down on commuting costs for their employees. This article looks at Arizona in particular, where state employees may have a reduced work week and where some companies are offering options for telecommuting and subsidized public transportation.
Endangered Species Act May Face Big Changes
August 2008 -- Recently, the Bush Administration has been proposing changes to the ESA, which would allow federal agencies to determine themselves whether or not their actions, such as building highways, dams, and other development projects, will threaten endangered species. Typically, these analyses are made by independent parties outside of the agencies but this would change if this plan is instituted.
USDA Announces $547 in Loans and Grants for Rural Infrastructure Projects
August 2008 -- The USDA recently announced that they will be both loaning and granting monies to rural communities throughout the nation for infrastructural projects. These projects will focus especially on providing safe drinking water and better wastewater treatment/sewer programs to rural communities. Click on the link above for a complete listing of grant and loan recipients throughout the US.
USDA Rural Development Awards $5 Million in Grants to Digitize Public Television
19 August 2008 -- Agriculture Undersecretary for Rural Development, Thomas Dorr, announced that the government agency will be awarding rural public television stations a total of $5 million in grants, in order to assist them in updating from analog to digital. Public television can be especially useful for rural residents, keeping them 'plugged in' to news, educational programming, etc.
Montana Tribe and Australian Company Sign $7 Billion Energy Deal
August 2008 -- The Crow tribe has agreed to build a $7 billion coal-to-liquids plant on the land of the tribe in Montana. The deal with a subsidiary of Australian Energy Co. signed a 50-year agreement with the Crow.
Archaeologists Express Concern Over Western Development's Impact on Ancient Sites
August 2008 -- Several canyons in the West of archaeological significance may be in danger, as an energy boom takes off in the West. Utah's Nine Mile Canyon, New Mexico's Mount Taylor, and other sites are areas of concern, as drilling and mining activities create increased traffic and dust.
Congress Stalls Passage of Rural Schools Bill
August 2008 -- Congress has not passed the reauthorization of a bill called the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-determination Act. The Act would give communities with non-taxable, protected forest land, affecting funding levels for rural public schools. This article looks at the impacts in Montana's Ravalli County.
Qwest Announces Controversial $40 Million 'Cybercenter' to be Constructed in Albuquerque, NM
August 2008 -- Now that it has city approval, Qwest announced the construction of a cybercenter that will serve Qwest's corporate clients. Opponents to the project, including the state's Department of Information Technology, argue that the corporation is failing to invest meaningfully in the community.
California Wildfires Put a Dent in Coastal Tourism
August 2008 -- Communities on the California coast feel economic losses as wildfires ravage the area. The Big Sur hospitality industry alone has lost $10-15 million in sales this season alone.
Colorado Residents Claim Contamination of Their Well Water
August 2008 -- Residents of 4000-person North Fork Ranch in Colorado contend that their drinking water is being contaminated by nearby coalbed methane drilling. The company that owns the methane beds counters that there is no scientific proof for the contamination.
Utah Mapped for its 'Renewable Energy Zones'
August 2008 -- A task force of 20 individuals from energy/utility, lobby, and government groups has recently mapped Utah for areas with the most promising solar, wind, and geothermal energy. The state aims to have 20% of its power supplied by renewable or low-carbon sources by 2025.
Development Drives Up Wildfire Fighting Costs, Report Says
August 2008 -- In relation to the story below, the costs of fighting fires continues to rise. A new report out from the US Forest Service and the University of Wisconsin examines development in the rural-urban interface throughout the West and its contribution to millions of homes being built in fire-prone areas.
California's Firefighting Budget Already Dwindling
July 2008 -- As fires are fought throughout the state, California deals with a shrinking firefighting budget only a few weeks into the new fiscal year. Political officials in the state are now discussing charging homeowners an incurance surcharge if they build in areas known to be susceptible to wildfires.
Proposed Costs for Nuclear Waste Storage at Yucca Mountain Just Keep Growing
July 2008 -- President Bush's administration recently announced that the projected costs for proposed nucelar waste storage facility have escalated to $90 billion dollars. This estimate is up $32 billion from the estimate given in 2001
Ten Environmental Groups File Suit Against BLM in Colorado
July 2008 -- Ten environmental groups have filed a lawsuit against the BLM, fighting oil and gas leases which may be given near pristine land in Colorado's backcountry.
Community-Supported Farms Growing in Popularity in Arizona
July 2008 -- As demand for community-sponsored agricultural products increases across the country, such farms in Arizona struggle to keep up with consumer wants.
Billionaire Urges Gas and Oil Industry to Focus on Renewables
July 2008 -- Texas billionaire T. Boone Pickens met recently with oil and gas industry leaders at Colorado Oil and Gas' 20th annual Rocky Mountain Gas Strategy Conference and Investment Forum in Denver. At this meeting, he urged a drastic change in energy production, focusing on how US investors should focus on wind and natural gas as alternative energy sources.
Montana Becoming Hot Spot for Wind Farms
July 2008 -- As alternative energy sources become an increasingly popular focus for investors and businesses, southern Montana residents find themselves in a literal windstorm. These residents have recently found themselves to be the focus of business interests looking to lease land to produce wind-generated energy.
Oregon's Food Innovation Center Announces 12-week Course
July 2008 -- Oregon State University's Food Innovation Center has limited space available for its 'Getting Your Recipe to Market' course. Offered both Fall and Spring Semesters this 12-week course offers specific food industry information about creating, perfecting, manufacturing, distributing, and selling food products as a business venture. Experts from OSU's Food Innovation Center, Experiment Station and PCC's Small Business Development Center will show you how to start and build a successful specialty food buisness.
Noise Pollution Becomes a Problem in Some Western National Parks
July 2008 -- Though a few parks - such as North Cascades in Washington - remain quiet sanctuaries for visitors looking to connect with nature, most national parks have become overly noisy places. Grand Canyon National Park, with its overhead plane and helicopter rides, proves to be one of the noisiest national parks.
Some Small Communities Fight Fires Themselves
July 2008 -- With hundreds of wildfires burning throughout California, some small town residents are fighting the fires and receiving funds to do so from local businesses.
Western States React to Restrictive Immigration Legislation
July 2008 -- As Colorado, Arizona, and other Western states deal with restrictive state and federal legislation on illegal immigrants, these stats take steps to adjust, innovate, and hire the laborers they need.
BLM Reverses Solar Project Moratorium
July 2008 -- Only a month after it announced a 2-year moratorium on new solar projects as it conducted social and environmental impact assessments, it has reversed this decision. Public pressure persuaded the agency to go ahead with new solar projects while completing a large-scale study of their effects.
California Announces Dramatic Plans to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
July 2008 -- California announces new requirements for vehicle emissions, diesel produced by state refineries, as well as a new requirement that state utilities acquire at least a third of their energy from renewable resources. New green building mandates, as well as mandated energy conservation programs are among the drastic new measures taken within California.
'Meet the Press' Talks to Western Governors During Annual Meeting
July 2008 -- To discuss the role of the West in this November's Presidential elections, Tom Brokaw interviewed both Colorado and Wyoming's governors this Saturday. Western governors were already gathered in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for their Western Governors' Association annual meeting, which took place this weekend.
Center for Rual Affairs Summarizes the 2008 Farm Bill
June 2008 -- In its June newsletter the Center for Rural Affairs blasted the 2008 Farm Bill and details how its staff believes Rural America fared with its passage.
Federal Agencies Will Help Navajo Nation Clean Up its Uranium Contamination
June 2008 -- The Department of Energy, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and Bureau of Indian Affairs have agreed to work together to clean up grounds throughout the Navajo Nation still polluted due to uranium contamination. Other communities in the West, however, still deal with legacy of contamination.
President Bush Pushes for Development of Oil Shale Resources in Area
June 2008 -- With much attention focused on securing domestic centers of energy production, President Bush announced his desire for oil shale exploration and development in the West, specifically Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. Local governors and residents, however, have mixed reactions to the proposal.
BLM's Proposed Study on Solar Power's Environmental Impact May Delay Solar Projects
June 2008 -- The Bureau of Land Management recently announced that it plans to conduct an in-depth environmental impact report regarding solar power's impacts. The study may take up to two years, delaying the issuing of permits during that time.
Wildfires Start Up in West Already
June 2008 -- As summer temperatures heat up in the West and rain remains scarce, residents and firefighters are already dealing with blazes across the region, in states such as Utah, Colorado, and California.
Pests Invade Colorado River; Head West
June 2008 -- Despite warnings and ecologists' best efforts, the quagga mussel has been found in Lake Mead and are believed to be throughout the Colorado River. The mussels have caused terrible problems in the midwestern Great Lakes and ecologists worry that the same could occur all along the Colorado River.
Several Western States Work to Designate Wilderness Areas
June 2008 -- In recent weeks, the US House of Representatives has passed five bills designating about 500,000 acres of federal land as wilderness. Four more bills have been introduced, another designatewd 106,000 Washington acres as wilderness land, and several similar bills are on the table.
New Report Warns of Impending Water Shortages in Colorado
June 2008 -- A new report examines Colorado's Arkansas Valley, evaluating its furutre water needs. Among other findings, the report concludes that the water shortage faced by the region may be twice as large as originally expected.
Sonoran Institute Releases Report on Impact of Development Around Teton County
June 2008 -- The report, "Growth Impacts in the Teton Region of Wyoming and Idaho" issued last month, takes a look at "spillover growth" from the Wyoming county into adjacent counties in both Idaho and Wyoming. The report tracks the impact of having more than half the workers in the Wyoming county live outside that county, and the effect a commuting population has on the Idaho and Wyoming communities that feed workers into Teton County.
Small Ag Success Stories
June 2008 -- The Southwest Marketing Network, an organization dedicated to "expanding markets for Southwest small-scale, alternative, and minority producers," lists success stories of small agriculture producers on its website. These stories showcase the innovative approaches producers in the southwestern U.S. and other regions are implementing to boost their income.
Bill to Aid Rural Families Fails in US House
June 2008 -- The House Thursday defeated a bill that would have continued payments to rural counties hurt by federal cutbacks in logging. Lawmakers from both parties have tried for several years to salvage the program, which helps pay for schools, roads and public safety in 700 rural counties in 39 states.
US Senator Harry Reid and Others Fight New Yucca Mountain Application
June 2008 -- The Bush administration has just formally filed its application with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a license to build a nuclear waste repository in Nevada's Yucca Mountain and local politicians are upset. Jim Gibbons and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid have both publicly commited themselves to keepign the repository out on their state of Nevada.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Announces Plans to Explore Solar Power Potential of West
June 2008 -- It seems the BLM will be joining forces with the US Department of Energy to examine the potential of a web of solar production to be carried on throughout the West. In particular, the two agencies are interested in focusing on the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. The exploratory research has been attributed to a growing interest among utility companies and citizens in working with and providing solar-base power.
Western Governors Meet to Discuss Renewable Energy Ideas
June 2008 -- In the first meeting of the Western Governor's Association's Western Renewable Energy Zones project, Western governors met to discuss the potential for development of alternative energy projects in the West. They also discussed the need for greater cooperation between the western states as global warming concerns become more real (see below). The project comprises western governors, public utilities commissioners and premiers from 11 states, 2 Canadian provinces and areas of Mexico.
USDA Releases New Global Warming Report; News Not Good for West
June 2008 -- The US Department of Agriculture just released a comprehensive report that examines the likely trends in coming years due to the effects of global warming. Part of a broader federal review of climate change, the 200-plus-page report focuses on the next 25 to 50 years. It had 38 authors, was reviewed by 14 scientists and uses more than 1,000 references. Importantly for the West, the report predicts major impacts on rangeland and forests in this region, as well as drastic changes to waterway temperatures and availability, drought, and other problems, all of which could cause major complications for Western residents. The report was posted at: www.climatescience.gov/Library/sap/sap4-3/default.php if you would like to read the actual document.
Funding Opportunity for Food Research Announced by University of Chicago
June 2008 -- The Harris School announces its Research Development Grants program for social science scholars interested in food assistance research. Grants will be awarded in amounts up to $40,000 for the 2008-2009 program. Start-up projects and projects by young and less experienced scholars will be offered grants of up to $20,000. Awards will be made to scholars who propose research including, but not limited to: Interactions between food assistance programs and other welfare programs with respect to participation, administration, budget exposure, and the role of food assistance as a personal and fiscal stabilizer; the effects of the macroeconomic environment on the need for food assistance, level of participation, and food assistance program costs; and the well-being of current and former food assistance recipients. Proposals are due by 1 July 2008.
Job Announcement - National Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) Executive Director
May 2008 -- The National ESP Extension professional organization is seeking candidates for the position of Executive Director. The successful candidate for this 75% position will have the skills necessary to maintain a national office, support the state organizations and the National Board through use of leadership, management, organizational skills and technical knowledge. Applicants are not limited to ESP membership. The position description details the leadership and management responsibilities of the Executive Director and can be found at http://espnational.org.
Broadband Access Opens Doors to Networking, Economic Development for Rural Areas
Science Daily May 2008 -- Proactive polices are needed to facilitate broadband Internet access and adoption in rural areas so that rural hospitals, schools and businesses can drive social and economic development and better position themselves to compete, say Penn State researchers in a recently released report from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.
Family Farming: A New Economic Vision New Edition by Marty Strange
May 2008 -- Americans decry the decline of family farming but stand by helplessly as industrial agribusiness takes over. The prevailing sentiment is that family farms should survive for important social, ethical, and economic reasons. But will they? This timely book exposes the biases in American farm policies that irrationally encourage expansion, biases evident in federal commodity programs, income tax provisions, and subsidized credit services. Family Farming also exposes internal conflicts, particularly the conflict between the private interests of individual farmers and the public interest in family farming as a whole. It challenges the assumption that bigger is better, critiques the technological basis of modern agriculture, and calls for farming practices that are ethical, economical, and ecologically sound. The alternative policies discussed in this book could yet save the family farm, and the ways and means of saving it are argued here with special urgency.
Job Announcement - Communications/Outreach Assistant - SARE
May 2008 -- The National Outreach Office of SARE is now accepting applications for a Communications/Outreach assistant. This position will be housed at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland. Applications will be accepted until June 27, 2008.
Mitigating the Impact of Foreclosures on Neighborhoods
May 2008 -- Randall S. Kroszner, Governor of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, announced what the Federal Reserve is doing in regards to the mortgage crisis in the U.S. One partnership announced in this speech is with NeighborWorks "to support local communities as they assess local housing conditions and evaluate responses to the challenges before them."
The National Rural Assembly and the Rural Compact
April 2008 -- In June 2007 more than 300 national rural leaders from across the United States gathered near Washington, D.C., in the first annual National Rural Assembly. A sterring committee emerged and they have now proposed a Rural Compact, a set of principles for building stronger rural communities and a stronger nation. The second annual National Rural Assembly will be held June 16-18, 2008.
Northwesat Area Foundation's National Poll: Struggling to Make Ends Meet
April 2008--More than one-third of Americans worry most of the time that their total family income will not be enough to meet their family's expenses and bills in 2008, bringing the struggle to make ends meet to a very personal level, according to a nationwide survery released by the Northwest Area Foundation.
Colorado Mining More Gold Now than in Past Decades
April 2008 -- The price of gold hit an all-time high last month of $1,003 an ounce, breathing new life into the gold mining industry in Colorado, where there are at least five mines open or preparing to open.
Could New Coal-fired Power Plants Pollute National Park Air?
April 2008 -- The Environmental Protection Agency is forging ahead on changes to the Clean Air Act that air-quality standards in Class-1 areas, which provides 156 national parks, wilderness areas, and wildlife refuges the toughest protection from air pollution, despite criticism from parks advocates, air-quality experts and the agency's own staff experts.
Presidential Candidates Have Similar Climate Change Views
April 2008 -- Though the Presidential candidates differ on many other issues, climate change is not one of those. As they travel the country campaigning for president because they share many of the same views on climate change, clean energy and greenhouse gas emissions, and all oppose drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The article link here contains a graphic comparing the candidates' stance on a number of issues.
States in the West Requiring Renewable Energy
April 2008 -- Arizona is one of 25 states that passed laws requiring utilities to get more of their energy from renewable resources, requiring utilities to get 15 percent of their energy from renewable resources by 2025.
Utah and Nuclear Regulatory Commission Dispute Who is Allowed to "Recruit" Waste
April 2008 -- Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. believes the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has the responsibility to decide if the
Montana Targeted as Popular Site for Future Wind Farms
April 2008 -- Across the state, from Circle in the east to Ennis in the west, the race is on to lock up the best sites by courting landowners and sealing deals for exclusive rights to explore and develop wind power. Hundreds of thousands of acres already are under lease to foreign and U.S. wind developers.
Colorado River on Endangered List for First Time
April 2008 -- For the first time ever, Colorado's Cache la Poudre River was added to American Rivers' 2008 list of the nation's most endangered rivers.
Outdoor Enthusiasts Join to Lobby for Energy Responsibility and Create a Sportsmen's Bill of Rights
April 2008 -- A coalition of hunting, fishing and wildlife groups have formed the Sportsmen United for Responsible Energy Development, which released its 10-point Sportsmen's Bill of Rights, which demands continued access to public lands, giving hunters and anglers a say in energy development on public lands, and management of those lands to benefit multiple use. According to its Web site, Sportsmen United for Responsible Energy Development is working to "strike a balance between energy development and conservation in the West by reforming the laws, regulations, and policies that ensure respect for the traditions of the West."
National Geographic and Western Agencies Develop 'Geotourism' Map of Yellowstone area
April 2008 -- Wyoming Travel and Tourism, the Idaho Division of Tourism Development and Travel Montana are teaming up with National Geographic to create a geotourism map of the Greater Yellowstone area. The project was launched on Tuesday and is taking nominations for places, events and people to be included in the map until the end of June. Be sure to tell them what belongs on the map! The goal of the project is to sustain and enhance the character of the area for both locals and visitors through community involvement and awareness. 'This project will only be as successful as how much participation we get,' said Diane Shober, director of tourism for Wyoming Travel and Tourism. 'It's the word of mouth that always helps to further a project.'
Critics Highlight Flaws in Energy Corridor Proposal
April 2008 -- While agreeing on the need for energy corridors through Western public lands, critics Tuesday ripped federal agencies for proposing routes mostly to coal plants and ignoring renewable energy sources. At a House Natural Resources Committee hearing on Tuesday, critics of the federal government's proposed energy corridors through 11 Western states, primarily through public lands, need more work and more input from tribes and local governments.
Deployment of Broadband to Rural America
March 2008 -- The U.S. Internet Industry Association (USIIA) released its report on the "Evaluation of Current Broadband Services to Rural Amercians and the Impact of Internet Public Policy on Broadband Deployment." The report includes these topics: Defining the Issue of Rural Broadband; Factors in Rural Broadband Deployment; Factors in Rural Broadband Adoption; Conclusions Regarding the Rural Digital Divide; and Public Policy Ramifications.
WRDC Releases Training DVD on Entrepreneurial Sustainable Agriculture
March 2008 -- The Western Rural Development Center announces the release of its Western SARE-funded DVD training video "Entrepreneurial Sustainable Agriculture: Alternatives for Processing, Packaging, Labeling and Marketing in Retail/Internet Environments." This DVD is available free of charge while supplies last.
Small Business Innovation Research Grants – USDA
March 2008 -- The Small Business Innovation Research program will release a request for proposals in June with a late August deadline. SBIR program awards are based on the scientific and technical merit of investigator initiated ideas. The SBIR Program does not make loans and does not award grants for the purpose of helping a business get established. SBIR Phase I grants are limited to $80,000 and duration of 8 months and are open to any small business concern that meets the SBIR eligibility requirements. SBIR Phase II grants are limited to $350,000 and duration of 24 months and are only open to previous Phase I awardees. SBIR program funds are allocated in proportion to the number of proposals received. Proposals are reviewed through a confidential peer review process using outside experts from nonprofit organizations. All applicants receive verbatim copies of reviews. Estimated funding for the program's fiscal year 2008 is $19 million which will be allocated over 12 broad topic areas.
Rural Ozone Levels May Harm People and Crops
March 2008 -- Revised EPA standards show 45 rural counties with health-hazardous levels of ozone. And environmental experts say crops and forests are at even greater risk than people.
March 2008 -- Nevada Power Co. is teaming up with geothermal developer Ormat Technologies to build a 30-megawatt geothermal plant near Fallon, that will eventually produce enough electricity for 22,000 homes.
Wyoming's Natural Gas Industry May Get a Boost
March 2008 -- Two leading pipeline companies are joining forces to develop the next major natural gas pipeline out of the Rockies. Questar Overthrust Pipeline Co. and Alliance Pipeline Inc. announced Tuesday they have entered into an agreement to develop the approximately 800-mile-long Rockies Alliance Pipeline. The planned 42-inch pipeline would originate in Wamsutter in eastern Sweetwater County, move north through the gas-rich Powder River Basin in northeast Wyoming and end at the Emerson trading hub on the Minnesota/Canada border.
London Bank Wants to Lease Montana's Otter Creek by September
March 2008 -- In Montana, a London bank representing an undisclosed investor wants to pull the coal out of Otter Creek, and wants permission to do so by September. Rothschild executives declined to name the company the London bank represents in the request that Montana leases coal tracts in the southeastern portion of the state, but did say that the company is a corporation with considerable mining experience.
Harris School of Public Policy Announces Research Grant for Food Assistance Research
14 March 2008 -- The Harris School announces its Research Development Grants program for social science scholars interested in food assistance research. Grants will be awarded in amounts up to $40,000 for the 2008-2009 program. Start-up projects and projects by young and less experienced scholars will be offered grants of up to $20,000. Awards will be made to scholars who propose research including, but not limited to food assistance research in: interactions between food assistance programs and other welfare programs with respect to participation, administration, budget exposure, and the role of food assistance as a personal and fiscal stabilizer; the effects of the macroeconomic environment on the need for food assistance, level of participation, and food assistance program costs; and the well-being of current and former food assistance recipients.
Legislation May Establish New American Conservation Network
March 2008 -- More than 800 properties in the BLM's National Landscape Conservation System are being touted for a new American preservation network. All told, the system includes 15 national monuments, 14 national conservation areas, 161 wilderness areas, 10 historic trails and 38 wild and scenic rivers. With congressional approval, these would become part of a permanent package comparable to the national-park system.
Nevada Hosts New Type of Solar Power Plant
March 2008 -- Boulder City , Nevada, solar power plant looks like a typical electricity plant. However, by focusing intense sunlight on mirrors which in turn heat water an coinvert it to steam, energy is being produced in a novel way.
American Indian Health Facilities Not Given Enough Money in New Federal Budget
6 March 2008 -- Despite widespread disrepair of schools, jails and health care facilities in Indian Country, the Bush administration requested only a fraction of the funding needed to fix the problems, senators of both parties said Thursday.
Senate Indian Affairs Committee Chairman Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., said there is a nearly $3 billion backlog in construction or repair of American Indian health facilities, a $1.8 billion backlog to repair or build schools and $6 billion to repair and construct jails.
Proposed FLAME Act Would Establish Permanent Wildfire-Fighting Fund
6 March 2008 -- Democratic leaders have submitted the Federal Land Assistance, Managment, and Enhancement Act, in hopes of providing a permanent fund to finance fighting catastrophic wildfires.
Texas A&M University Announces Search
March 2008 -- The Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M University announces openings for two tenure-track positions at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin Fall Semester 2008 or Spring 2009. We seek colleagues who will conduct research and teach on key components community development and related policy issues.
Presidential Candidates Paying Enough Attention to Public Lands?
February 2008 -- In a strong opinion piece, one Westerner asks whether or not the candidates for President have paid attention to an important issue in the West - use and well-being of public lands.
Construction to Begin on Large Montana Wind Farm
24 February 2008 -- In more alternative energy news, construction will begin shortly on one of the largest wind farms in the region. "This is probably the largest economic development project ever in the Golden Triangle," Shelby Mayor Larry Bonderud said. Construction of the state's largest wind farm to date will begin this spring 85 miles north of Great Falls in Toole County, the developer said this week. Naturener, the Spain-based developer of the project, has selected Mortenson Construction out of Minnesota, one of the nation's leading builders of wind farms, as the general contractor.
Arizona May Host New Solar Power Plant
21 February 2008 -- Arizona Public Service Company announced a Spanish company is proposing to build a 280-megawatt solar-power plan near Gila Bend, and if the compnay's $1 billion project is completed, it will be one of the largest in thw world.
New Video from CSREES Highlights Agriculture's Role in New Energy
February 2008 -- USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) has released the latest episode of its Partners Video Magazine series. Episode 20, "Fueling America: Bio-based Fuels to Power a Thirsty Nation," shows how CSREES is funding universities and small businesses to power the
The National Research Initiative Seeks Applications for Funding
February 2008 -- The National Research Initiative's program on Agricultural Prosperity for Small and Medium-sized Farms is currently seeking applications. The purpose of this program is to foster interdisciplinary studies to improve our understanding of the interactions between the economic and environmental components important to the long-term viability, competitiveness and efficiency of small and medium-sized farms (including social, biological and other components, if necessary).
The National Integrated Water Quality Program Announces RFA Opportunity
February 2008 -- The FY 2008 National Integrated Water Quality Program (NIWQP) Request for Applications (RFA) is now available. The goal of the National Integrated Water Quality Program is to improve the quality of our Nation's surface water and groundwater resources through research, education, and extension activities. Projects funded through this program will facilitate achieving this goal by advancing and disseminating the knowledge base available to agricultural and rural communities.
WRDC's New Director Announced
7 February 2008--Utah State University Extension has named Don Albrecht as director for the Western Rural Development Center. Albrecht was previously the associate department head in the department of recreation, park and tourism sciences, and program leader of the Rural Sociology and Community Studies Program at Texas A&M University where his career spanned 24 years.
Missoula Group Teaches Social Responsibility when Investing Retirement Funds
3 February 2008 -- Socially conscious investing has been around for decades, but designating where your retirement money goes and keeping funds local is an innovative twist. Hit the above link to reach a very helpful regional website.
National Geographic Looks at Water in the West
3 February 2008 -- National Geogrpahic Magazine's latest issue examines an iddue close to home for many of us - water in the American West. In particular, the issue examines the impacts future shortages may have on the economy and quality of life for those of us in the West.
USDA's Risk Managment Agency Announces Funding Opportunities
January 2008 -- Today, the USDA announced a few RFAs providing the following funding opportunities:
Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership Program announces the availability of approximately$5 million in fiscal year 2008 (subject to availability of funds) for collaborative outreach and assistance programs for limited resource, socially disadvantaged and other traditionally under-served farmers and ranchers, who produce Priority Commodities as defined within the RFA.
Commodity Partnerships for Risk Management Education Program (Commodity Partnerships Program) includes approximately$3.75 million (subject to availability) for cooperative partnership agreements to deliver training and information in management of production, marketing and financial risk to U.S. agricultural producers.
WRDC is Awarding Travelships to Community Development and Extension Educators for SARE's 20th Anniversary Conference
28 January 2008--Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) is celebrating 20 years with their New American Farm Conference in
New Mexico State University Seeking Applicants for Department Head Position
January 2008--New Mexico State University located in Las Cruces is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Academic Department Head, Department of Sociology and Anthropology. The department currently includes 15 faculty members, 185 undergraduate students, and approximately 100 graduate students. Application deadline is February 24, 2008.
Rural Representatives Leaning Towards Obama as Primaries Heat Up
January 2008 -- Daily Yonder found that while early endorsements went to Mitt Romney on the Republican side and John Edwards among the Democrats, there seem to be changes afoot. U.S. representatives who've held off until 2008 to announce their endorsements have been keeping an eye on voters in the early caucuses and primaries. Click on the above link to see what Daily Yonder has uncovered about your representative's endorsement decisions.
States Combat Global Warming
January 2008 -- With proposals to cap greenhouse gas emissions stalled in Congress, more than half the states are moving aggressively to combat the pollution that causes global warming. This year, eight states are slated to release plans to slash emissions of the heat-trapping gases and at least several are likely to recommend specific reduction targets, say state officials and the Pew Center on Global Climate Change. Seventeen states already have such targets in place and Idaho and Alaska are among the western states considering their own programs.
Rural America Will be Aided Through Rural Youth Entrepreneurship, says Boomtown Institute Author
January 2008 -- Stressing the vital role that young rural citizens can play, Jack Schulz reminds us that nurturing this generation will pay off in innovative companies that will provide jobs, give back generously to their communities and provide the tax revenue that communities want so badly, Schultz said.
USDA Announces Home Ownership/Financing Opportunities for Rural Americans
January 2008 -- USDA provides homeownership opportunities to rural Americans, as well as programs for home renovation and repair. USDA also makes financing available to elderly, disabled, or low-income rural residents of multi-unit housing buildings to ensure they are able to make rent payments.
University Scientists Study Pollutants in Three Major Arizona Rivers
22 January 2008 -- Three teams of Arizona scientists are focusing research on a class of chemicals in the state water supply that could lead to cancer, infertility, birth defects or other health problems. Researchers from all three Arizona universities are studying the Gila, Verde, and Salt rivers to determine the entent of endocrine disruptor pollution in the waters and the long-term effects that pollution could have on Arizona residents.