What to Expect During the Government Shutdown ft. Brittany Leffel, New Access Rules for the CDT, and More - Public Lands News (Sept 29 - Oct 3)

Coal Expansion on Federal Lands – The Department of the Interior announced a plan to open 13.1 million acres to coal leasing

Government Shutdown Impacts – Congress’s failure to pass a spending deal triggered a shutdown on October 1. Includes an interview with Brittany Leffel of the Winter Wildlands Alliance.

Continental Divide Trail Access Rules – Hikers finishing the CDT now face a new Army permit requirement at the southern terminus in New Mexico.

Everglades Detention Center Funding – Florida secured $608 million in FEMA funds for immigration detention facilities in Big Cypress National Preserve.

California’s Low-Impact Camping Law – Governor Newsom signed AB 518.

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Coal leasing announcement: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-unleashes-american-coal-power-bold-move-advance-trump-administration

Alabama coal lease sale: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-coal-lease-sale-alabama-generates-over-46-million-supports-us-steel

Earthjustice: https://earthjustice.org/press/2025/earthjustice-responds-to-trump-administration-coal-industry-giveaways

Outdoor Alliance: https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/10/1/what-does-a-government-shutdown-mean-for-outdoor-recreation

Surfrider Foundation: https://www.surfrider.org/news/looming-federal-shutdown-what-it-could-mean-for-our-coasts-ocean

The Trek: https://thetrek.co/continental-divide-trail/cdt-hikers-us-citizenship-army-permit-now-required-to-access-southern-terminus/

Everglades detention funding: https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/florida-gets-us-funds-for-everglades-detention-center-hit-by-lawsuit-2025-10-02/

WPLG Local 10 News (Miami): [Reporting on FEMA funds and contracts] (10/2/25)

California Legislature: AB 518 (Low-Impact Camping Bill)