Pulse of the Land - 8/25/2025
A brief for conservation and cleaner energy
The State of Public Lands
Boulder-White Clouds Marks 10 Years of Protection
First, some good news: Idaho’s White Clouds Wilderness was created in 2015 and celebrating a decade of conservation. The law originally established three wilderness areas and safeguarded over 275,000 acres of public land. The celebration underscores how compromise and persistence can yield lasting protections.
Deteriorating Conditions Due to Staffing Cuts
A coalition of environmental groups warned that National Park Service staffing has dropped roughly 25% this year, leading to longer wait times, trash buildup, unmaintained trails, temporary closures, and heightened wildfire risks.
Conservationists Launch a Podcast Tour to Rally Support
Environmental organizations, led by the Center for Western Priorities, are touring the western US, raising awareness about budget and staffing cuts and a failed proposal by Senator Mike Lee to sell 3.3 million acres of public lands.
Clean Energy Projects in the News
China Builds Worlds largest Solar Farm
China is constructing a 235-square-mile solar farm on the Tibetan plateau, which is estimated to generate enough power for 5 million households. The size is significant; it’s 1 square mile more than Chicago. China aims to become carbon neutral by 2060 and is leading the world in this industry. Clean energy is one of the fastest-growing industries, and the US chooses to avoid it.
New York’s Clean Energy Investment
On August 20th the New York State Energy Research and Development Autority announced nearly $8 million to support innovation in grid reliability to support the clean energy transition,
Clean Energy Project Cancellations
$6.7 billion in canceled clean energy projects are estimated in June according to E2’s latest analysis. $22 billion total in canceled clean energy projects the first half of 2025.
Government Spotlight
Raising Energy Bills
Energy bills have increased by 8% since January according to the Energy Information Administration. Raising from 15.95 to 17.27 (cents per kilowatt hour). Rates are expected to increase further because of federal budget decisions.
“Big Beautiful Bill” Pushes Oil & Gas Power Back in Utah
The Bureau of Land Management’s lost some ability to restrict land sales, opening the door for expanded oil and gas development. Critics say it hands undue influence to industry interests over land decisions.
According to a Utah legislative summary report, Section 50101 includes a specific directive for states like Utah.
Michigan coal plant shutdown delayed at public cost
Using emergency powers, the Trump administration halted the planned May closure of the JH Campbell coal plant in Michigan. The plant now runs under extended 90-day delays costing $1 million daily. Critics warn that this undermines emission reduction efforts and burdens local communities financially and on their health.