National

Bernhardt: We will reopen sites 'as rapidly as possible' “At President Trump's order, national parks across the country will reopen "as rapidly as possible," Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said in a weekend tweet. "@realDonaldTrump has directed me to promptly restore access to our magnificent national parks, and we will be doing just that while working closely with each of our nation's governors!" Bernhardt said Saturday on Twitter.” [E&E News, 4/27/20 (=)]

Democrats press Trump administration over plan to reopen national parks. “House Democrats are questioning the Trump administration over its plan to reopen "as rapidly as possible" certain national parks that closed amid concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. Last week, President Trump said his administration would begin to reopen national parks and public lands. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said in a tweet that the president told him to “promptly restore access to our magnificent national parks.”” [The Hill, 4/27/20 (=)]

Trump praises Pendley for promoting 'beautiful' BLM lands. “President Trump this weekend praised the acting director of the Bureau of Land Management for extolling the virtues of visiting the bureau's 245 million acres of public lands during the COVID-19 health crisis.” [E&E News, 4/27/20 (=)]

Will White House nuclear policy revive Grand Canyon mining? “Tribes and environmentalists fear the Trump administration's continued push to create demand for domestic uranium may lead to new mines next to Grand Canyon National Park. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette and other officials recommended a complete overhaul of nuclear policy last week to "restore America's comparative nuclear advantages." That includes pursuing new mines, especially in the West, according to the administration report (Greenwire, April 23).” [E&E News, 4/27/20 (=)]

BLM to expedite royalty relief during pandemic. “The Bureau of Land Management will expedite royalty relief for oil and gas operators seeking assistance due to the global pandemic's depression of oil prices. But with thousands of leases affected by the COVID-19 downturn, it may be a tall order in practice, according to industry and former Interior officials.” [E&E News, 4/27/20 (=)]

Trump opens floodgates, and acrimony swamps Calif. “On the campaign trail in 2016, President Trump swung into California's agricultural hub and vowed to deliver more water to the drought-ridden state's farmers. "We're going to solve your water problem," he declared at a May 2016 rally in Fresno. Three years into his administration, Trump is now opening the floodgate to deliver on that promise, setting up the most intense water war between the federal government and California in the state's history.” [E&E News, 4/27/20 (=)]

Mnuchin: 'No bailouts,' but oil loans may be coming. “Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said yesterday that he and Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette are studying the idea of loans to oil companies "very carefully." Appearing on "Fox News Sunday," Mnuchin was pressed on whether the Trump administration would "bail out" oil companies despite critics who say that many of the problems facing the industry are of their own making.” [E&E News, 4/27/20 (=)]

Murkowski, Cramer vow to secure oil aid amid 'tectonic shift'. “Key GOP senators are bracing for a fight over help for beleaguered U.S. oil and gas companies in COVID-19 stimulus talks, dismissing growing calls from Democrats and environmentalists to shut the door on a "Big Oil bailout." In separate interviews with E&E News last week, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), a close ally of President Trump, vowed to press on with efforts to secure aid for struggling domestic producers in future stimulus negotiations.” [E&E News, 4/27/20 (=)]

State and Local

Federal judge temporarily halts Treasury from issuing COVID-19 emergency funds to Alaska Native corporations. “A federal judge Monday granted a temporary restraining order to halt the distribution of coronavirus relief payments to Alaska Native corporations. A number of tribes, including three in Alaska, have argued that the $8 billion allotment is not meant for the for-profit corporations. U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta in Washington, D.C. issued the two-page ruling, for now halting the U.S. Treasury Department from issuing the money to the corporations until a future court order or a final decision is issued in the case.” [Anchorage Daily News, 4/28/20 (=)]

Inslee announces plan to ease restrictions on outdoor recreation across Washington. “Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday announced plans to ease restrictions on outdoor recreation activities in Washington beginning May 5.” [SeattlePI, 4/27/20 (=)]