U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has announced a 60-day review of the federal land-use management plan for the greater sage grouse—an iconic bird surviving on just half of its historic range, while oil and gas drillers chisel away at its habitat. Zinke’s order puts oil and gas lobbyists ahead of countless stakeholders—conservationists, ranchers, business owners, sportsmen, outdoor recreation leaders, and local and state elected officials—across 11 states who have worked together for years on the sage grouse protection plan. Western economies rely on sage grouse habitat, which brings in roughly $1 billion a year to local outdoor recreation and tourism sectors. Now the Interior Department is upending this collaborative conservation effort for the sake of energy developers.
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Latest NewsUnited StatesJeff Turrentine
Donald Trump’s choice to head the Interior Department says he opposes giving away America’s wilderness. But he voted to make doing so much, much easier.
Press Release
WASHINGTON (September 22, 2015) -- The Interior Department today announced a final plan to protect and preserve the habitat of the greater sage-grouse, an iconic species of the West that is threatened by commercial development and energy projects.
NRDC in ActionMontana, WyomingVirginia Sole-Smith
Why our success in saving the greater sage grouse is key to preserving millions of acres of habitat and hundreds of other species across the American West.