The U.S. Interior Department says the greater sage grouse does not need federal protections across its 11-state Western range after some limits were put on energy development and other activities.
Tuesday's announcement signals that the Obama administration believes it has struck a balance to save the widespread, ground-dwelling birds from extinction without crippling the West's economy.
It follows a costly conservation effort, and could help defuse a potential political liability for Democrats heading into the 2016 election.
Federal protections could have brought much more sweeping restrictions on oil and gas drilling, grazing and other human activities from California to the Dakotas.
Republicans have seized on the issue as supposed evidence of wildlife protection laws run amok.
Environmentalists who sued to force Tuesday's decision are certain to challenge it. (AP)
Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Interior announced the greater sage grouse would not be listed as an endangered or threatened species:
“I commend the Department of the Interior and the eleven western states with sage grouse habitat for their unparalleled collaboration. Nevada has the second highest population of sage grouse and some of the best habitat in the country and I want to applaud Governor Brian Sandoval and his staff for the phenomenal work done in partnership with Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. The decision not to list this unique bird was made because of the proactive conservation of sagebrush habitat agreed upon by the states and federal agencies. This process has not been easy and we have a long way to go. But all those involved in this historic process should be proud of the outcome. This conservation not only protects the sage grouse, it also protects our rangelands, our mule deer and pronghorn antelope habitat and our western way of life. I look forward to continued cooperation between the federal agencies, states and local governments on implementing the sage grouse management plans and making sure that the sage grouse can thrive alongside our western economies.”
Governor Brian Sandoval today released the following statement after he joined U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, several Governors of western states, as well as federal, state, and local leaders at a press conference where the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced its finding that listing the Greater Sage-grouse on the endangered species list as threatened or endangered is not warranted.
“For more than 15 years, Nevada has worked with our neighboring western states and federal partners toward a united goal of conservation of the sagebrush habitat which includes preservation of the Greater Sage-grouse. Today's announcement is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our local and state leaders who have invested their time and built a blueprint that we believe is the best path forward for Nevada. Had U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommended a listing of either threatened or endangered for the greater sage-grouse, the federal government would have expanded its authority over critical sage grouse habitat on both public and private lands. The decision not to list will allow Nevada to maintain control of the management of the sage-grouse, meaning Nevada will continue to monitor individual populations and set priorities that work for Nevada. In my view, resource management at the state level is better than exclusive federal control – and that is a central difference between listing the sage-grouse and not listing it.
“I am cautiously optimistic that this is good news for Nevada and I am pleased that U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has come to this decision, but there is more work to be done. I am asking all local, state and federal leaders including the Sagebrush Ecosystem Council to stay at the table to resolve some key issues and continue their strong advocacy for implementation of Nevada’s plan. We will closely monitor the implementation of this decision so that every option remains available to our state.
“Today we reinforce the fundamental importance of a public-private partnership where federal and local stakeholders have equal platforms and participate as partners. Furthermore, this decision will help define federal obligations in the West and will help provide direction for Congress to adequately fund fire suppression as well as mitigation and restoration work across the western states.
“I appreciate Secretary Jewell’s commitment to continue working with us and I take her at her word that we will collaborate in good faith during the next two years so that we have the opportunity to demonstrate that the Nevada plan provides the best conservation for sage-grouse in Nevada.”
