The McDermitt Caldera in Oregon holds a potentially massive lithium deposit, estimated at $1.5 trillion, sparking debate over its development. While proponents highlight its potential to bolster domestic battery production and alleviate reliance on foreign sources, concerns exist regarding the impact on sensitive wildlife, including pronghorn antelope and sage-grouse, and culturally significant Indigenous sites. The Bureau of Land Management’s limited public comment period has drawn criticism, mirroring similar disputes in Nevada over water resources. Balancing economic benefits with environmental protection and community input remains a central challenge.
Read More
Republicans are reportedly planning to offset the cost of Trump-era tax cuts by selling off public lands. This strategy, at its core, involves liquidating valuable national assets to compensate for decreased government revenue resulting from the tax cuts. The inherent problem is that this is a one-time solution to a recurring problem—a yearly budget shortfall is being addressed by a finite resource. This suggests a fundamental misunderstanding of basic fiscal responsibility. It’s like using your savings to pay your credit card bill each month; eventually, you’ll run out of savings.
This approach of selling public lands raises concerns about the long-term consequences.… Continue reading
President Trump’s executive order aims to accelerate deep-sea mining within and beyond US waters, prioritizing access to critical minerals for various sectors. This move, intended to bolster the US economy and counter China’s dominance in the market, has been condemned by China as a violation of international law. Concerns remain regarding the environmental impact on deep-sea ecosystems, with many nations advocating for a moratorium until further research is conducted. Despite these concerns, at least one mining company is actively pursuing permits to begin operations.
Read More
A Tesla vehicle, reported stolen earlier, plunged into the Bow River in Calgary. The incident resulted in a significant emergency response, involving police and fire crews. No individuals were found inside the submerged vehicle after it was recovered. The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation.
Read More
Research reveals that the UK discards 13 vapes every second, resulting in over a million daily disposals and a significant environmental problem. The proliferation of larger, high-puff vapes exacerbates this issue, with three million sold weekly. The impending ban on single-use vapes in June 2025 aims to mitigate environmental damage and underage vaping. However, the improper disposal of all vapes, containing hazardous lithium-ion batteries, poses a fire risk and wastes valuable resources.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood