Interior Agency Aims to Alter Greater Sage-Grouse Protections

The Bureau of Land Management is soliciting public comment on proposed changes to managing the greater sage-grouse’s habitat across eight Western states, a move already drawing opposition from one conservation group.

“Proposed amendments to the resource management plans would continue to ensure responsible habitat stewardship while making more public land available for energy development and mining,” the Interior Department agency said Tuesday in a press release.

The changes are aimed at supporting President Donald Trump’s “Unleashing American Energy” executive order, BLM said Tuesday.

The plan would affect BLM-managed public lands in California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, ...