Interior Department is moving to overhaul Obama administration's sage-grouse protection plan

Sage grouse mating dance (Photo:Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Managment)

As expected, the Interior Department is moving to change habitat management plans for the sage grouse, which were adopted under the Obama administration to keep the bird off the endangered species list, Lisa Friedman reports for The New York Times.

"Several Western state officials, who asked not to be named because they were not authorized to speak for their governors, said Interior Department officials indicated they would seek amendments to the sage grouse plans in a conference call on Monday," Friedman reports. "Precisely what changes the Interior Department may seek are yet unknown, but the regulatory process could take years. People on the call said Interior Department officials suggested they needed to start the process now in order to complete it within President Trump’s first term."

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke had ordered a review of the plans to see if "they were hindering energy production," Friedman notes. "A task force recommended changes that could loosen protections for the bird . . . which looks like a chesty chicken but struts like a spiky-tailed peacock, is renowned for its elaborate mating dance."

The plans are for 10 states, but Western Energy Alliance President Kathleen Sgamma told Friedman that they incorporate an overly broad approach that exaggerates the threats posed by mining and drilling. “This Interior Department is much more willing to cooperate with states, and I think that is very positive for ensuring the sage grouse is protected without killing jobs and economic opportunities,” she said.