Obama Administration: Sage Grouse Not Endangered

Published September 23, 2015
The Obama administration announced it will decline to give the greater sage grouse protected status as an endangered species. The administration credited voluntary land preservation programs for making an endangered listing unnecessary.

Ranchers in Western states have voluntarily participated in an Interior Department program that sets aside conservation zones. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell credited the voluntary program for preserving vital sage grouse habitat without imposing drastic restrictions under the Endangered Species Act.

“These collective efforts add up to a bright future for the sage grouse,” Jewell said.
Tiffany Taylor is an intern with The Heartland Institute.