West

BLM's Western Solar Plan is 'fantasy world,' relies heavily on taxpayer dollars: GOP congressman

Published

1 year ago

October 20, 2024

BLM's Western Solar Plan is 'fantasy world,' relies heavily on taxpayer dollars: GOP congressman

The Bureau of Land Management’s updated Western Solar Plan, which aims to restrict 31 million acres of land across 11 states for the development of solar fields, is an “absolutely ridiculous” proposal from the Biden-Harris administration that would cost taxpayers more for unreliable energy, a Republican congressman told Fox News Digital.

Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., said the agency’s plan will lock up 572,479 acres of public land in Montana alone for solar development, creating a “multitude of problems” for wildlife, the environment and the livelihood of citizens in the Treasure State.

“BLM Secretary [Deb] Haaland and Director Tracy Stone-Manning are living in this fantasy world where they think that we are going to be done with coal-powered electricity and natural gas powered electricity,” Rosendale said. “We’re going to be utilizing those sources for decades, for decades, because they’re reliable, they’re affordable, they’re readily available. They don’t need to be subsidized by the American taxpayers. And that is where we need to be focused.”

Rosendale said he is concerned that the Western Solar Plan violates the Taylor Grazing Act, which regulates grazing on public lands, and will produce intermittent energy in places where it will still need to be transmitted hundreds, and in some cases, thousands of miles before it can be used.

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Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., said that Bureau of Land Management Secretary Deb Haaland and Director Tracy Stone-Manning are living in a “fantasy world” if they think the U.S. will end coal-powered electricity and natural gas-powered electricity. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images, File)

“It is not a consistent, reliable, affordable source of energy,” the congressman said of solar energy.

“You’re paying more for your energy that’s being produced from these sources and you’re being taxed heavier because of trying to subsidize it, make it work,” he said.

The Bureau of Land Management’s updated Western Solar Plan identifies 31 million acres for potential solar development in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. (Bureau of Land Management California)

BLM announced its updated solar plan in August, identifying 31 million acres for potential solar development in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. The agency said the updated plan will avoid protected lands, sensitive cultural resources and important wildlife habitats.

A BLM spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the proposed plan “supports national climate and energy goals while ensuring that public lands continue to serve many needs.”

“The proposed plan guides applications for solar development to areas that are already disturbed, are near transmission lines, or have lower environmental sensitivities,” the agency said. “It excludes solar development in certain sensitive ecosystems, wildlife habitats and culturally significant sites.”

The Bureau of Land Management said the updated plan will avoid protected lands, sensitive cultural resources and important wildlife habitats. (U.S. Department of Interior)

“Every day, the BLM balances uses on the landscape, from producing energy to grazing to mining to recreation to conserving wildlife habitat and clean water,” the agency continued.

BLM emphasized that the proposed plan doesn’t allow solar development in areas important to big game and away from habitats for threatened and endangered species.

When Fox News Digital reached out to the National Audubon Society, an environmental group that has provided input to BLM on the potential environmental impact of such potential solar development, a spokesperson for the group responded with a press release that was issued in August shortly after BLM announced its updated plan.

“The BLM’s revised Western Solar Plan improves on the initial draft and strikes a clearer balance between solar energy development and wildlife conservation,” Garry George, senior director of climate strategy at the National Audubon Society, wrote in the release. “We look forward to further reviewing the document, and the Greater sage-grouse plans once finalized, to provide more input to BLM.”

Rosendale says that the potential solar panel development on federal lands would need to be heavily subsidized by taxpayers. (U.S. Department of Interior)

Rosendale, however, said that he believes BLM needs to change their plan entirely.

“I think we need to allow the evolution of business to develop more effective, more efficient, more reliable ways of generating that energy,” he said.

“We will be utilizing coal and natural gas for decades coming into the future,” Rosendale said. “And while it’s a nice idea to start looking at alternative means of energy production, to place mandates on the power companies to have to purchase this type of energy and to put mandates on the land that it can only be used for this when the law currently says that we should be placing food production on those acres at the top of the priority list. It’s not just wrong, it’s against the law.”

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Other lawmakers in Western states have also expressed concern over BLM’s plan for solar development.

Sens. John Barrasso, R-Wyo.; Jim Risch, R-Idaho; Mike Crapo, R-Idaho; Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo;, Steve Daines, R-Mont.; and Mike Lee, R-Utah, all opposed the updated Western Solar Plan over worries it could disrupt grazing, mineral development and recreation.

Other Republican lawmakers also expressed concern that the potential solar field development could disrupt grazing, mineral development and recreation. (BLM Southern Nevada District Office)

“[W]e remain concerned that these are lands that many already stake their livelihoods on through other multiple uses,” the senators wrote in a letter to Stone-Manning. “Some uses, such as grazing, are not just disrupted, but wholly shut out of public land as solar becomes more prevalent.”

Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., who is also chairman of the Western Caucus, and Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo., sent Stone-Manning a separate letter requesting the agency withdraw its proposed updated Western Solar Plan over concerns about grazing and unreliable energy.

“This plan risks violating the multiple-use mandate for public lands established by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and threatens valuable grazing lands while also elevating intermittent energy over more affordable and reliable sources,” Newhouse wrote.

Hageman argued that such a plan would “upend existing activities that drive America’s energy independence” and weaken America’s energy grid through “unreliable energy sources.”

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“The Biden-Harris assault on our Western way of life needs to be brought to a swift end this November, before they can inflict even more damage,” the congresswoman wrote.

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Utah

Utah Blanks Philadelphia, 3-0 | Utah Mammoth

Published

15 minutes ago

March 6, 2026

Press Room

Utah Blanks Philadelphia, 3-0 | Utah Mammoth

Schmaltz’s 24 goals this season are a new career-high. He’s been a consistently strong presence and has taken on more responsibility with the switch from wing to center. His goal on the power play came just eight seconds into the man-advantage and opened the scoring early in the second period. In addition to his goal, he had an assist on Utah’s second goal of the game. Tourigny discussed Schmaltz’s maturity following the win.

“He’s a mature person, mature man,” Tourigny explained. “He really wants to make a difference. I always say about Schmaltz, (he’s) a gamer. He wants to play in those moments, and I think he’s excited about where our team is at, and he wants to be a big part of it, and he is. He’s a huge leader for us.”

Utah held Philadelphia to 16 total shots: four in the first period, seven in the second, and five in the third. The Mammoth showed their strong defensive game in the win.

“I think that’s when we’re at our best, when we’re defending hard,” Schmaltz said. “We’re playing with a lot of pace, not giving them time and space, frustrating them, and making them force plays, and then we turn it over and go the other way.”

On the flip side, against a stingy Philadelphia defense, Utah generated 23 shots including 14 in the second period. Schmaltz spoke to what led to the increased opportunities in the middle frame.

“A little bit more direct,” Schmaltz shared. “I think our transition game was really good. We were catching them, kind of hemming them in. Good line changes and just rolling them over and shooting a little bit more.”

In addition to Schmaltz’s goal, Captain Clayton Keller scored his 19^th of the season seven and half minutes after his linemate’s tally to increase the score to 2-0. Michael Carcone’s empty net goal with 1:48 left in regulation secured the 3-0 win.

Additional Notes from Tonight (per Mammoth PR)

The Mammoth’s power play went 1-for-2 against the Flyers. Utah has scored seven power play goals in seven games (7-for-18, 38.9%). On the other side of special teams, the Mammoth’s penalty kill went 3-for-3.

JJ Peterka played his 300^th NHL game. Peterka was selected 34th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft and is the ninth player from his draft class to reach the milestone. He is also just the eighth German-born forward in NHL history to accomplish the feat.

Keller has recorded 11 points in his last seven games (2/2-3/5: 3g, 8a), finding the scoresheet in six of those contests.

With two assists tonight, Dylan Guenther has posted his second straight multi-point outing (3/3 at WSH: 1g, 1a) and his third in five games (2/25 vs. COL: 2g).

Utah has won the first two games of a five-game road trip. Up next, the Mammoth travel to Columbus and face the Blue Jackets on Saturday night.

Upcoming Schedule

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Washington

Capitals Acquire a Conditional First-Round Pick in Either 2026 or 2027 and a 2027 Third-Round Pick from Anaheim for John Carlson | Washington Capitals

Published

33 minutes ago

March 6, 2026

Press Room

Capitals Acquire a Conditional First-Round Pick in Either 2026 or 2027 and a 2027 Third-Round Pick from Anaheim for John Carlson | Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals have acquired a conditional first-round pick in either the 2026 NHL Draft or the 2027 NHL Draft and a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft from the Anaheim Ducks for defenseman John Carlson, senior vice president and general manager Chris Patrick announced today. Should Anaheim qualify for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Anaheim will transfer its 2026 first-round pick to Washington. If Anaheim fails to qualify for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Anaheim has the option to retain its 2026 first-round pick and transfer its 2027 first-round pick to Washington instead.

“Since joining our organization 17 years ago, John Carlson has exemplified what it means to be a Washington Capital every day,” said Patrick. “John’s determination, leadership, persistence and skill helped our franchise reach new heights and cemented him as a cornerstone and one of the greatest players in Capitals history. His contributions to our organization and the Washington, D.C., community both on and off the ice have been immeasurable. We are incredibly grateful for everything John has given to our team and wish him and his family nothing but the best moving forward with Anaheim.”

The Capitals own 22 total picks in the next three drafts, including four first-round selections and nine picks in the first three rounds. Washington also acquired a 2029 second-round pick from the Vegas Golden Knights on March 5.

Carlson, 36, recorded 46 points (10g, 36a) in 55 games with the Capitals this season and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Carlson has played his entire 17-season career with the Capitals and is the franchise’s all-time leader in games played (1,143), goals (166), assists (605) and points (771) among defensemen. The Natick, Massachusetts native helped lead the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup championship in 2018, and led all defensemen in playoff scoring with 20 points (5g, 15a) in 24 games played. Carlson was originally drafted by Washington in the first round (27th overall) of the 2008 NHL Draft.

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Wyoming

Wyoming 3A and 4A Boys Basketball Regionals Tip Off Postseason Play

Published

51 minutes ago

March 6, 2026

Press Room

Wyoming 3A and 4A Boys Basketball Regionals Tip Off Postseason Play

The 2026 postseason has arrived for Wyoming High School boys’ basketball teams in Class 3A and 4A. They participate in regional tournaments from Thursday through Saturday. The regionals will be in Buffalo, Evanston, Gillette, and Lovell. Three sites will use the format: two wins qualify a team for the state tournament next week in Casper, or two losses eliminate a team. The 4A East Region has three loser-out first-round games on Thursday, followed by two days of games for seeding. The 4A East Regular Season champ draws a first-round bye and has qualified for the state tournament.

WYOPREPS 3A-4A BOYS BASKETBALL REGIONAL TOURNAMENT SCHEDULES

Except in the 4A East Regional, Friday starts with elimination games. The regional semifinals are on Friday night. The final seeds for next week’s state tournament will be determined on Saturday. The schedules below for this weekend are based on the brackets sent to WyoPreps. It is subject to change.

THURSDAY, MARCH 5:

Final Score: (3) Pinedale 58 (6) Mountain View 40

Final Score: (2) Cody 58 (7) Powell 46

Final Score: (1) Lovell 75 (8) Lyman 43

Final Score: (4) Lander 65 (5) Worland 40

FRIDAY, MARCH 6:

Game 5: Mountain View vs. Powell, noon – loser out

Game 6: Lyman vs. Worland, 1:30 p.m. – loser out

Game 7: Pinedale vs. Cody, 6 p.m. – semifinal

Game 8: Lovell vs. Lander, 7:30 p.m. – semifinal

SATURDAY, MARCH 7:

Game 9: Winner Game 5 vs. Loser Game 8, 11 a.m. – loser out

Game 10: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 7, 11 a.m. – loser out (at LMS)

Game 11: Winner Game 9 vs. Winner Game 10, 5 p.m. – 3rd Place Game

Game 12: Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 8, 2 p.m. – Championship Game

THURSDAY, MARCH 5:

Final Score: (3) Douglas 85 (6) Rawlins 50

Final Score: (2) Wheatland 57 (7) Burns 40

Final Score: (5) Torrington 35 (4) Newcastle 28

Final Score: (1) Buffalo 69 (8) Glenrock 44

FRIDAY, MARCH 6:

Game 5: Rawlins vs. Burns, noon – loser out

Game 6: Newcastle vs. Glenrock, 1:30 p.m. – loser out

Game 7: Douglas vs. Wheatland, 6 p.m. – semifinal

Game 8: Torrington vs. Buffalo, 7:30 p.m. – semifinal

SATURDAY, MARCH 7:

Game 9: Winner Game 5 vs. Loser Game 8, noon – loser out

Game 10: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 7, 1:30 p.m. – loser out

Game 11: Winner Game 9 vs. Winner Game 10, 7:30 p.m. – 3rd Place Game (if necessary)

Game 12: Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 8, 4:30 p.m. – Championship Game

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THURSDAY, MARCH 5:

Final Score: (NW-3) Kelly Walsh 64 (SW-2) Riverton 49

Final Score: (NW-1) Natrona County 77 (SW-4) Jackson 23

Final Score: (NW-2) Green River 50 (SW-3) Evanston 40

Final Score: (SW-1) Star Valley 62 (NW-4) Rock Springs 60 – Erickson makes a turnaround jumper at the buzzer off an offensive rebound for the Braves.