USDA Forest Service Reorganization, NEPA Rollbacks, and New Mexico’s Oil & Gas Battles - Public Lands News (August 4 - 15)
Description
We’re back after a short break with an urgent update on threats to U.S. public lands, major environmental policy rollbacks, and ongoing oil and gas fights in New Mexico.
Main Topics Covered:
USDA’s plan to reorganize and consolidate Forest Service operations.
The SPEED Act and its potential to roll back NEPA protections.
Oil and gas accountability battles in New Mexico: abandoned wells and fracking wastewater.
Sneak peek of the Ecocide pilot episode on the Boundary Waters mining threat.
Subscribe to our newsletter for in-depth coverage and extra stories we don’t have time for on the podcast: theoutdoorminimalist.com
Subscribe to our YouTube channel (@theoutdoorminimalist) so you don’t miss the Ecocide pilot episode release this September
Have tips, testimonials, or insights on public land changes? Submit them through our Google Form (https://forms.gle/JwC73G8wLvU6kedc9)
Resources & Links:
USDA reorganization info & public comment:
Outdoor Alliance Action Alert: https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/8/7/the-forest-service-wants-to-hear-from-you-about-its-staffing-and-reorganization-plan
NEPA Rollbacks & the SPEED Act: https://westernlaw.org/nepa-rollback-bill-speed-act-would-threaten-environment-communities-provide-legal-immunity-to-polluters/
Abandoned wells in New Mexico: https://westernlaw.org/coalition-of-environmental-groups-tribal-leaders-experts-public-health-and-environmental-safety-public-funds-protection-central-to-preventing-abandoned-wells-in-nm/
Fracking wastewater ban challenge: https://westernlaw.org/the-fix-is-in-clean-water-advocates-file-objection-in-big-oil-bid-to-reverse-state-ban-on-fracking-wastewater-discharge/
Save the Boundary Waters update: https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/did-twin-metals-just-get-leases-mine-watershed-boundary-waters-nope
United States
