Biden administration tightens sage grouse protections ahead of second Trump term

Source: The Hill

11/08/24 1:13 PM ET


The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on Friday issued updates aimed at strengthening its proposed protections for the greater sage grouse — an iconic bird that inhabits public lands across the U.S. West.

The updates, which revise a March proposal, would safeguard sage grouse habitats across 10 states by tightening restrictions on oil and gas drilling, mineral mining and clean energy development.

While the BLM announced plans to finalize its plans with relevant states in the coming weeks, the question remains whether President-elect Trump, who has vowed to ramp up domestic fossil fuel production, could reverse these plans. During his previous administration, Trump sought to revoke the protections of sage grouse on 10 million acres of public lands, but a federal judge ultimately overturned that decision.

Greater sage grouse, known for their unique spiked plumage and chunky, round bodies, have suffered habitat decline due in part to the impacts of climate change, including drought, more frequent wildfires and invasive species, according to the BLM.

Read more: https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/4981109-blm-sage-grouse-habitat-protections/