Chris Clarke delves into the controversial final programmatic environmental impact statement for the western Solar Plan, revealing the potential ecological damage from vast solar developments across 11 states. Despite personal support and advocacy for solar power, Clarke critiques the plan's sprawling approach and highlights a more sustainable alternative that might surprise you. The episode emphasizes the urgent need for smarter solar deployment to mitigate climate change without sacrificing crucial desert ecosystems. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis and a compelling argument for better planning in renewable energy projects.

• Chris Clarke's Email Newsletter: Letters from the Desert

• USGS Land Use Data: https://www.usgs.gov/news/estimates-areal-extent-us-parking-lots-now-available

• Western Solar Plan:** (Extensive documentation on the 2024 and 2012 Western Solar Plans for context on the policy discussed.) https://blmsolar.anl.gov/solar-peis-2023/

Listeners are encouraged to tune into this informative episode to gain deeper insights into solar energy policies, their environmental impacts, and the potential for intellige

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Public lands in Utah take center stage as Governor Spencer Cox announces a lawsuit aiming to shift control of those lands from federal to state hands. Chris Clarke explores the implications with Jonathan Thompson, a long-time public lands journalist. They dissect the motivations behind the lawsuit, potential impacts on conservation and recreation, and the significance of the proposed change for implementing laws like NEPA. Is Utah's push a genuine effort for better land management, or a pretext for more development and less regulation? Dive into this detailed discussion to understand what’s at stake for Utah’s cherished landscapes.

Jonathan's newsletter The Land Desk can be read here.

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The rise of renewable energy projects, particularly solar farms, in desert regions has sparked concern regarding their impact on native wildlife, including the desert tortoises. Solar panels cover vast tracts of land to capture sunlight efficiently, which can lead to habitat loss for the tortoises. They can be displaced from their native habitats, or their genetic connectivity can be disrupted. Moreover, the construction and maintenance of these solar farms can lead to direct harm or increase the risk of predator attacks as the landscape changes.

We talk to Kevin Emmerich of Basin and Range Watch about his group's proposal to protect thousands of acres in Nevada's Pahrump Valley by establishing an Area of Critical Environmental Concern, a BLM designation that could rein in the most destructive projects.

Basin and Range Watch: https://www.basinandrangewatch2.org/

Subscribe to Basin and Range Watch's email newsletter here.

Listen to our episode Shannon Salter Fights to Save the Desert.

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