


The Bureau of Land Management on Tuesday proposed reexamining the management of the greater sage-grouse habitat across eight Western states as it seeks to open land for fossil fuel developments.
The bureau said on Tuesday it is requesting public comments on managing the greater sage-grouse habitat, which spans California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. In addition to the greater sage-grouse, a brown-speckled bird with a turkey-like tail, the habitat is home to more than 350 other wildlife species.
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Environmentalists and energy producers have long clashed over rules that would prevent drilling that could disturb the greater sage-grouse’s habitat. In November, the Biden administration issued a final rule to safeguard the habitat from drilling, mining, and renewable energy developments.
The habitat has shrunk in the last several years due to energy developments, wildfires, and droughts. The greater sage-grouse population has dropped 80% since 1965, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The Trump administration has sought to open public lands for fossil fuel development.
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The bureau said it would propose changes to former President Joe Biden’s regulations on managing the area to provide more land for energy and mining developments, and the proposal will incorporate research on how the greater sage-grouse responds to drought and disturbance.
The comment period closes on Oct. 3.