Western Leaders Network

Energy & ClimateFederal Climate InvestmentsThe Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law contain historic, unprecedented federal investments for climate resilience, job creation and environmental justice and equity. WLN sent letters to western U.S. senators, urging their support for the climate components in these investment packages. WLN also worked to educate and engage its network on the climate and energy-related programs and grant opportunities to access these federal dollars and implement them in their communities to fight climate change, protect public health, create quality jobs, and invest in clean energy. WLN provided resources, deadlines and tools through its website to help connect local and tribal governments with federal climate funding. Local elected officials in Nevada, Montana and New Mexico published op-eds on the importance of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act to limit pollution and protect disproportionately impacted communities. Climate and DemocracyThe health of the climate and strength of the nations democracy are inextricably linked, and over the past year, WLN launched a Democracy and Climate program to advocate for legislative and administrative efforts that uphold democratic principles, achieve justice and equity, protect voter rights and build a more resilient climate future. WLN published several action bulletins promoting progressive democracy work, legislation and initiatives to expand voting rights and prepare local governments and election workers for the 2022 midterms. That included a Q&A with county elected officials about the challenges they faced leading up to the election, advice they have for local governments, and how they prepared to defend against attacks on the electoral process. WLN also engaged in candidate education work in the months leading up to the 2022 midterm elections. The objective was to educate communities and local leadership about pro-conservation candidates running for key state and federal offices in Colorado and New Mexico, as well as to educate candidates on the climate and conservation-related policies and issues important to western leaders. Colorado Climate WorkWLN engaged local elected officials in Colorado to advocate for the Colorado Oil and Gas Association to implement bonding regulations for federal lands to create financial assurance for cleanup and protect communities from pollution. In addition to a sign-on letter submitted to the COGCC, WLN ran an ad in regional Colorado media outlets, signed by seven Colorado elected leaders, calling on COGCC to adopt bonding regulations.New Mexico Climate Work New Mexico made history in 2022 when the state Environmental Improvement Board adopted statewide rules to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas operations. This was a hard-won, multi-stakeholder effort in which WLN engaged its New Mexico members, and the rule built upon the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division rules finalized in 2021 to limit methane waste from the oil and gas sector by banning routine venting and flaring. Together, the rules made New Mexico a leader in the nation for addressing methane emissions and taking bold action to fight climate change, and WLN released a media statement in support of the states efforts. Federal Methane RulesReducing methane emissions is one of the most cost-effective and impactful ways in which the nation can mitigate the climate crisis. As such, WLN has engaged since its 2017 inception for meaningful and enforceable federal safeguards to cut this climate-damaging pollution. In 2022, both the Bureau of Land Management and Environmental Protection Agency moved forward with rulemaking processes to limit methane produced by oil and gas industry operations. WLN sent a letter signed by 168 local, tribal and state elected officials from eight Interior West states and six tribal nations, urging EPA to strengthen and finalize its draft proposal to cut methane pollution. WLN also recruited Navajo Nation community leader Daniel Tso to author an op-ed on the importance of cleaning up abandoned oil and gas wells, through reforms and federal investments, to reduce pollution, protect the climate and public health.

Mining Law ReformHard Rock Mining Reform As the nation sees a boom in mining metals such as lithium to power electric vehicles, mining companies continue to operate under an antiquated law that has not been modernized since its enactment 150 years ago. WLN advocated for administrative and legislative reforms to protect communities and the environment from the detrimental effects of the General Mining Act of 1872 and hold the hard rock mining industry accountable for pollution. WLN published op-eds by Hualapai Tribal Chairman Damon Clarke in Arizona and former West Wendover Mayor Daniel Corona in Nevada on the urgency of industry reforms, and hosted a virtual briefing, CODE RED: Clean Energy & U.S. Mining Policy to educate elected officials about the law and need for reform to protect tribal communities.

Public Land and WaterNational Monument CampaignsFederal protections for public lands are critical to preserving cultural heritage, enhancing local economies and protecting wildlife habitat and biodiversity. WLN engaged in two successful national monument campaigns, including the designation of Camp Hale-National Divide National Monument in Colorado, and Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada. WLN engaged local and tribal elected officials in both states to author op-eds on the cultural, ecological and historic significance of these areas and the need for federal protections.