Environmental – Page 49

Environmental Assessment Not Vacated on Remand in Dakota Access

October 11, 2017Sarah M Donnelly

Here are the documents in the matter of Standing Rock Sioux Tribe et al v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers et al (D.D.C. 16-cv-01534):

Doc. 283 – Order

Doc. 284 – Memorandum Opinion

The Onion: “EPA To Drop ‘E,’ ‘P’ From Name”

October 10, 2017Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Here.

Arizona State CLE — Cultures Under Water: Climate Impacts on Tribal Cultural Heritage

October 8, 2017October 6, 2017Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Climate Change web header

Cultures Under Water: Climate Impacts on Tribal Cultural Heritage CLE

Wednesday, December 6 – Friday, December 8
8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Memorial Union, Ventana Ballroom
1290 S. Normal Ave., Tempe, AZ 85287
ASU Tempe campus

Extreme weather and climate events have increased over the past 50 years and Indigenous peoples are among the most vulnerable to the adverse effects because they are often inextricably tied to their land. As a result, climate change not only threatens the landscape, but also cultural identity. Indigenous peoples have used traditional knowledge to mitigate climate disruptions and to adapt to the changing environment. However, policy discussions have failed to adequately address climate impacts on cultural heritage, and the rapid rate of climate disruptions continues to threaten indigenous cultures and communities with alarming speed. This conference will build on the discussions of climate change, adaptation, and traditional knowledge by focusing specifically on climate impacts on tribal cultural heritage.

We will bring together tribal leadership and members, scientists, scholars, attorneys and activists to discuss climate change threats and challenges faced by indigenous communities. The goal is to share knowledge and resources with tribal representatives to respond to threats to cultural heritage by addressing: Is cultural heritage a human right, and why is tribal cultural heritage important? How does climate change impact tribal cultural heritage? How can tribal communities maintain cultural heritage in the face of changing climate risks? Attendees will participate in sessions that focus on identifying obstacles and proposing solutions to these challenges.

Note: On the evening of Wednesday, December 6, the Memorial Union will feature Before The Flood by Fisher Stevens. This film features Leonardo DiCaprio with contributions by many scientists and researchers from around the world, who meet and discuss the reality of climate change in various locations on five continents as they witness climate change firsthand.

State Bar of Arizona does not approve CLE activities, however, this activity may qualify for approximately 7 credit hours.

Questions? Contact Jennifer Williams at jennifer.h.williams@asu.edu or 480-727-0420

Interior Dept. Official who Spoke Out in Favor of Alaska Natives Resigns

October 5, 2017October 5, 2017Matthew L.M. Fletcher1 Comment

Here from WaPo. HuffPo.

Here is his resignation letter: Letter

Here is his whistleblower complaint: Form 11

Prior WaPo coverage when Clement spoke out last summer.

High Country News profile here.

Ninth Circuit Decides Sturgeon Hovercraft Matter on Remand from SCOTUS

October 3, 2017Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Here is the opinion in Sturgeon v. Masica. An excerpt:

John Sturgeon would like to use his hovercraft in a national preserve to reach moose hunting grounds. The State of Alaska is fine with that; the federal government is not. Sturgeon’s case turns on which entity—state or federal—gets to decide the matter. On remand from the Supreme Court, we again conclude that the federal government properly exercised its authority to regulate hovercraft use on the rivers within conservation system units in Alaska.

Briefs:

Alaska Brief

Enviro Groups Brief

Federal Brief

Mentasta Traditional Village et al Brief

Sturgeon Brief