Our Public Lands
A podcast about our beloved and treasured public lands where I interview subject matter experts and activists from across the country who are working to protect and advocate for our public lands and their wildlife, wilderness, and cultural values.
Our Public Lands
#17 - Biden’s Public Lands Scorecard and Legacy
In this episode, I welcome back Andy Kerr to discuss Biden’s public lands record and legacy. We also discuss the contrasting environmental policies and actions early in the Trump 2.0 years. Andy delves into Biden's legacy on public lands, examining specific actions like the reinstatement of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante national monument boundaries and the broader issue of whether a president can undo national monument proclamations. The discussion draws attention to the procedural and legal challenges involved in reversing conservation regulations. There is also a critical examination of Biden's adherence to the 30 by 30 conservation initiative and the effectiveness of mineral withdrawals. Andy discusses a controversial land exchange in Alaska and the overall performance of the Biden administration in protecting public lands, comparing it to Trump's administration. He concludes with insights into the political landscape's impact on conservation efforts and the need for stronger advocacy and politically strategic actions from conservationists.
https://www.andykerr.net/
00:57 Biden's Public Lands Record and Legacy
02:53 Trump's Environmental Policies and Actions
06:17 Legal and Procedural Challenges in Conservation
15:05 Biden's 30 by 30 Conservation Initiative
29:08 Conservation Leases and Bureaucratic Challenges
35:37 Conservation Efforts and Political Challenges
36:27 Mineral Withdrawals and Federal Land Policies
40:13 Biden Administration's Conservation Actions
41:45 Alaska Land Exchange Controversy
47:37 Public Lands and Renewable Energy Development
01:00:52 Northwest Forest Plan and Conservation Issues
01:07:37 Final Thoughts on Conservation and Politics