Logging and mining activities are devastating the Congo rainforest, leading to a critical shift in the continent’s carbon balance. African forests transitioned from being a carbon sink to a carbon source between 2010 and 2017, releasing an estimated 200 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. This change is primarily driven by deforestation in the Congo rainforest, making it more difficult to achieve global net-zero emissions. While initiatives like the Tropical Forests Forever Facility are underway, increased support is needed to reverse this trend and protect the remaining forests.
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Donald Trump’s proposed FY 2026 budget seeks to drastically cut the National Park Service’s budget by $1.2 billion, potentially leading to the closure of 350 out of 433 park sites. These cuts would significantly reduce spending per visitor and coincide with actions taken by the Trump administration, which have resulted in staff reductions and hindered visitor experience. Critics fear these actions are a precursor to the privatization of public lands, with the administration already taking steps to increase timber production and mining on federal land. Despite public disapproval and concerns from some Republicans, the administration’s policies continue to prioritize short-term financial gains over the long-term preservation of national parks.
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Amidst the debate on the Republican budget reconciliation package, Senator Mike Lee has reintroduced a proposal to sell off public lands, despite previous blocks from the Senate Parliamentarian. Critics like Senator Ron Wyden and the Sierra Club argue that this move, which could be voted on as early as Saturday, aims to benefit the wealthy at the expense of public lands. Although Lee’s amended proposal narrows the scope, reducing the acreage for sale, it is still facing strong opposition from Democrats, environmental groups, and even some Republicans who view it as a “poison pill.” The proposed legislation includes new fees for renewable energy projects and reduced royalty rates for fossil fuels.
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Utah Senator Mike Lee withdrew his proposal to sell millions of acres of public land due to insurmountable opposition. The provision, a part of the federal budget bill, would have facilitated the sale of BLM land in 11 Western states to offset tax cuts and royalty rebates. Widespread criticism from conservationists, outdoor enthusiasts, and even members of his own party, along with concerns about foreign interests potentially acquiring the land, led to the bill’s demise. Senate leadership removed the land-sale language to ensure the budget bill’s passage, which included tax cuts and cuts to social programs.
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The Senate parliamentarian has blocked a Republican plan to sell over 3,200 square miles of federal land, a proposal by Senator Mike Lee intended to generate revenue and spur development by transferring public lands to states or other entities. This plan faced opposition from within the Republican party, as well as Democrats and environmental groups, who argue it would harm clean water, wildlife, and public recreation. Senator Lee plans to revise the proposal, potentially limiting sales to land near population centers. The proposal and its opposition highlight a continued debate over the control and use of public lands in the West.
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In response to Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s call for his impeachment regarding the bombing of Iran, former President Trump launched a lengthy attack on the congresswoman, calling her “dumb” and questioning her qualifications. He then went on to criticize her and other progressive women of color in the Democratic Party. Trump also challenged Ocasio-Cortez to take the same cognitive test he once completed. In addition, he suggested she focus on her own district rather than pursuing his impeachment, while referencing low poll numbers for Democrats.
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The Trump Administration to End Protections for 58 Million Acres of National Forests – it’s a headline that’s hard to ignore, isn’t it? It immediately conjures up images of vast, untouched landscapes, and the potential for significant changes that could reshape how we interact with these precious areas. It’s a move that has triggered a strong reaction, and for good reason.
The sheer scale of the decision is staggering. We’re talking about 58 million acres of national forests, a significant portion of the total acreage dedicated to these protected areas. Consider that there are only about 193 million acres of national forest total, and this move suddenly puts a huge chunk up for grabs.… Continue reading
The Trump administration’s first 100 days have seen relentless attacks on America’s 640 million acres of federal public lands, jeopardizing a unique national asset. Efforts to boost resource extraction, sell off lands for housing, and purge land management agency staff threaten decades of conservation efforts and bipartisan public support for protecting these lands. This assault utilizes manufactured “emergencies” to justify weakening environmental protections and circumventing public input. The current campaign surpasses previous attempts at privatization in its speed, scope, and disregard for public opinion.
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President Trump issued an executive order dramatically expanding logging across 280 million acres of US public lands, overriding endangered species protections to boost domestic timber production. This action prioritizes increased logging targets, even potentially accelerating projects under the guise of wildfire mitigation, despite scientific evidence suggesting this approach increases fire risk. Experts widely condemn the order as illegal and environmentally destructive, citing potential harm to endangered species and water quality. The appointment of a timber executive to head the Forest Service further underscores this industry-friendly shift. Critics fear this policy will lead to irreversible damage to America’s forests.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood