DENVER—In response to a Pro Publica report that the Trump administration has banned the Environmental Protection Agency from giving updates on social media or awarding new research grants, the Center for Western Priorities released the following statement from Advocacy Director Jesse Prentice-Dunn:
“This is an unacceptable escalation of the Trump administration’s war on science and facts. Scrubbing the White House website of any mention of climate change is one thing, but banning government employees from doing their jobs is another matter entirely. The EPA’s scientific mission must be allowed to continue without political interference from the Trump administration.”
Jesse Prentice-Dunn is available for interviews. To speak with an expert about America’s public lands, contact Aaron Weiss at 720-279-0019 or aaron@westernpriorities.org.
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DENVER—As the Trump administration takes shape, the Center for Western Priorities released a new fact sheet showing how oil and gas companies thrived on public lands over the course of the Obama administration.
Far from a “war on oil” claimed by President Trump, his allies in Congress, and industry lobbyists, data shows that U.S. oil and gas production skyrocketed over the last eight years, that oil and gas companies are holding millions of acres of public lands leases, most of which are not being used, and that companies continue to receive a sweetheart deal for producing oil and gas on public lands.
“From day one we’re seeing the Trump administration's proclivity for pushing ‘alternative facts’ to the American public. Luckily, the U.S. government compiles reams of data about energy leasing and development on American lands,” said Greg Zimmerman, deputy director with the Center for Western Priorities. “The facts don’t lie. U.S. oil and natural gas production has reached new heights, and drillers have more access to public lands than they know what to do with.”
A few facts that may be a surprise include:
President Trump is entering office with a promise to negotiate a better deal for American taxpayers. He has an opportunity to reform oil and gas leasing on U.S. public lands, which is currently guided by policies put into place in the 1920s. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office recently released a report—which could provide a roadmap for the incoming administration—that shows how small changes to leasing rates could generate hundreds of millions annually.
Unfortunately, the Trump administration is already indicating that they intend to take a different tact by repealing taxpayer protections put into place by the previous administration and by rapidly increasing the pace and scale of oil and gas leasing.
“President Trump and members of Congress appear readied to do the bidding of oil and gas companies, while undermining common-sense rules that are in place to protect American lands and ensure taxpayers receive a fair return from drilling,” Zimmerman said. “The big winners will be billionaire CEOs, while taxpayers and communities across the United States will be forced to shoulder the burdens of fewer protections.”
Some members of Congress have suggested that one of their first orders of business will be repealing the methane rule, which was recently implemented by the Bureau of Land Management. The rule encourages oil and gas companies to collect and sell natural gas produced from American public lands, while ensuring drillers do not waste taxpayer-owned resources.
The Center for Western Priorities fact sheet on oil and gas is available online and as a PDF. To speak with an expert about public lands and energy, contact Aaron Weiss at 720-279-0019 or aaron@westernpriorities.org.
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The Center for Western Priorities is a conservation policy and advocacy organization focused on land and energy issues across the American West.
Center for Western Priorities | 820 16th Street Ste 450, Denver, CO 80202 |
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‘More Than Conquerors in Cultural Clashes’ is author’s fourth book
NAMPA, Idaho – Putting his theological education to use, Rick Deighton writes about “biblical truth and reality” in his new book, “More Than Conquerors in Cultural Clashes” (published by WestBow Press).
Deighton himself explains “the book is an expanded commentary on Paul's inspired warning given to us in Colossians 2:8-10” that warns Christians against following the principles of the world rather than those of Christ. “More Than Conquerors in Cultural Clashes” discusses the reality of the Bible’s perspective on politics, tolerance, marriage and purity before concluding with his own final thoughts on America’s future.
When speaking about the relevance of his book, Deighton says, “from the purported ‘proofs’ of evolution (which are later exposed as frauds, etc.) to the purported ‘proofs’ of homosexuals being ‘born that way’ to violence and riots on America's streets, this book is relevant!”
“More Than Conquerors in Cultural Clashes”
By Rick Deighton
Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 502 pages | ISBN 9781512756241
Softcover | 6 x 9in | 502 pages | ISBN 9781512756234
E-Book | 502 pages | ISBN 9781512756227
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the Author
Rick Deighton is a bi-vocational missionary who works in the lighting business between mission trips to former Soviet Union nations. Della, his wife, is a co-owner of their business and office manager for both their business and ministry. Together they are co-founders of Alpine Christian Mission and Overseas Outreach. Deighton is a graduate of Boise Bible College and later did post-graduate study at Ozark Christian College in mission strategy, expository and evangelistic preaching, personal evangelism, philosophy and writing techniques. His articles, tracts and booklets have been published in English, German, Korean, Russian and Georgian. Deighton and his wife believe that education is important, but prayer is vital in being “More than Conquerors in Cultural Clashes.”
WestBow Press is a strategic supported self-publishing alliance between HarperCollins Christian Publishing and Author Solutions, LLC — the world leader in supported self-publishing. Titles published through WestBow Press are evaluated for sales potential and considered for publication through Thomas Nelson and Zondervan. For more information, visit www.westbowpress.com or call (866)-928-1240. For WestBow Press news, click “Like” at www.facebook.com/WestBowPress and follow @westbowpress on Twitter.
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OSBA Invites Aspiring Musicians To Audition For Its First Youth Benefit Concert
Ogden, Utah — On March 22, the Ogden Symphony Ballet Association will present its first Youth Benefit Concert, featuring Young Concert Artist Gleb Ivanov and young, aspiring musicians from our community.
OSBA invites all aspiring musicians under 18 to audition for this opportunity. Not only will participants get to perform at the Allred Theater at the Val A. Browning Center, but they will also be invited to attend a Masterclass with Ivanov on March 21. Moreover, all proceeds from the concert will go to fund the Jean Pell Music Scholarship Fund.
Auditions are open to musicians of all skill levels and for any instrument. Applicants may also audition in ensembles. Auditions will take place on Feb. 18 and 25 and are open to the first 150 applicants. Audition applications are due Feb. 1, and there is a $5 fee to apply.
Interested students may also apply for a Jean Pell Scholarship. This scholarship is open to students under 18. There is no fee to apply for a scholarship, but applicants must complete and return an application by Feb. 1. Scholarship decisions will be made after considering several factors, including financial need.
Tickets for the Youth Benefit Concert on March 22 are on sale now. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children. OSBA is also accepting donations of any amount to support this program. Please call the OSBA Office at 801-399-9214 or email info@symphonyballet.org to request an application, to purchase tickets or for more information about these programs.
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