Latest U.S. Department of the Interior News

Biden administration to restrict drilling, renewables in the US West to help struggling bird

Nov. 08, 2024 17:39 PM EST

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — President Joe Biden's administration on Friday proposed tighter restrictions on oil, solar and wind energy development across more than 6,500 square miles (17,000 square kilometers) of federal land in the U.S. West to protect a declining bird species. ...

Nevada lithium mine will crush rare plant habitat US said is critical to its survival, lawsuit says

Nov. 03, 2024 17:01 PM EST

RENO, Nev. (AP) — Conservationists and an advocacy group for Native Americans are suing the U.S. to try to block a Nevada lithium mine they say will drive an endangered desert wildflower to extinction, disrupt groundwater flows and threaten cultural resources. The Center for...

A tiny tribe is getting pushback for betting big on a $600M casino in California's wine country

Oct. 01, 2024 13:47 PM EDT

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — For decades a small, landless tribe in Northern California has been on a mission to get land, open a casino and tap into the gaming market enjoyed by so many other tribes that earn millions of dollars annually. The Koi Nation's chances of owning a Las...