Biden administration falls short on finalizing sage-grouse protections
The Biden administration took steps Thursday to safeguard an iconic bird species of the Western United States — but did so in only two out of the 10 states where such protections were anticipated.
The Bureau of Land Management announced that it would sign records of decision to improve the conservation of greater sage-grouse on public lands in Colorado and Oregon.
Although this decision could be critical for longevity of the sage-grouse in these two areas, a proposal released just two months ago had signaled that such protections would apply to 10 states — and could be issued before President-elect Trump takes office.
The greater sage-grouse, which has long been suffering from population decline, is considered an indicator species: a species whose well-being indicates the vitality of others in the surrounding sagebrush ecosystem.
Known for their unique spiked plumage and chunky, round bodies, the sage-grouse have fallen prey to the impacts of climate change, according to the bureau.
The birds — which require up to 40 square miles of intact landscape to stay healthy — also inhabit the same areas that house a wealth of oil, gas and mineral resources.
Whether the plans finalized Thursday will stay intact once Trump takes office is unknown, as he previously sought to revoke protections of the bird on 10 million acres of public lands.
And while a federal judge ultimately overturned that decision, Trump has vowed to ramp up domestic fossil fuel production.
The habitat conservation measures approved for Colorado and Oregon on Thursday will help support communities in the West and benefit more than 350 wildfire species, according to the bureau.
The agency said it had also completed administrative processes for records of decision in North Dakota, South Dakota and California and is prepared to issue them in these three states.
As for the remaining five, the bureau said it was working with the states to finalize decisions for sagebrush areas, with a goal of both improving habitat conservation and staying consistent with individual state priorities.
“These decisions are the result of our ongoing commitment to work with states to enhance protections that have been in place for nearly a decade,” Nada Wolff Culver, Bureau of Land Management principal deputy director, said in a statement.
Multiple environmental organizations slammed the Biden administration's Thursday announcement, criticizing the bureau in a joint statement for having "signaled its intentions to leave the decisions affecting the five key states of Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Nevada to the Trump administration."
“The new Biden plans leave the first Trump administration’s gutting of sage grouse conservation largely in place,” Erik Molvar, executive director of Western Watersheds Project, said in a statement.
“The sagebrush sea needs consistent, science-based protections to safeguard sage grouse, other wildlife, and irreplaceable recreation lands — not this politicized crazy-quilt of loopholes and half-measures that sell out western public lands to the special interests," Molvar added.
Joanna Zhang, endangered species advocate for WildEarth Guardians, described the greater sage-grouse as "a symbol of the America West," stressing that "without stronger range wide protections, it could vanish from our landscapes forever."
"Protecting sage-grouse is not just about saving a species — it’s about safeguarding the health of the sagebrush sea, especially in the face of Trump’s plans for energy dominance," Zhang added.
-
Fearnley falls short against second seed Zverev
Jacob Fearnley sees his encouraging Australian Open run come to an end against Alexander Zverev in the third round.BBC News - 5h -
Biden Administration Withdraws Proposal to Expand Protections for Rare Whales
The proposed rules would have slowed more ships to prevent collisions with endangered North Atlantic right whales.The New York Times - 15h -
Biden Administration Creates Final Limits for Oil Drillers in Alaska
Republicans said they were seeking ways to quickly reverse the restrictions in the state’s North Slope region.The New York Times - 12h -
What we learned as short-handed Warriors fall to red-hot Pacers
Pat Spencer and Buddy Hield combined to score 34 points, but it wasn't enough as the short-handed Golden State Warriors ran out of gas against the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.Yahoo Sports - 6d -
Biden administration gives $500m to Ukraine in final military aid package
US defense secretary says ‘Ukraine’s fight matters to all’ when revealing aid bundle days before Trump’s return. The Biden administration has given its final injection of military support to ...The Guardian - Jan. 9 -
Biden administration jettisons effort to protect old-growth forests
The Biden administration is dropping its efforts to issue a policy to protect old-growth forests — though the president previously touted protecting such forests as an important component of his ...The Hill - Jan. 8 -
Biden administration finalizes rule to strike medical debt from credit reports
U.S. consumers will no longer have medical debt appear on their credit reports under to a new rule the CFPB finalized Tuesday.NBC News - Jan. 7 -
Trump transition falling short of hiring goals, sources say
Offer letters is expected to go out Monday to political appointees in Trump's incoming administration, sources say.CBS News - Jan. 6
More from The Hill
-
Top music acts announced for FireAid, a concert to support L.A. wildfire victims
The biggest names in pop, rock and country are coming together to raise funds for victims of the Palisades and Eaton wildfires and assist with the recovery.The Hill - 18m -
What Trump should do about Greenland
Trump’s concern about the Far North is a legitimate one; he is right to seek a more robust defense against potential Chinese or Russian operations in that region.The Hill - 23m -
Greenland prime minister: 'We don't want to be Americans'
Greenland’s prime minister weighed in on President-elect Trump's proposal to acquire the island territory, arguing that the nation intends to keep working toward independence from Denmark. “We ...The Hill - 26m -
Israel, Hamas ceasefire poised to begin Sunday
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is poised to begin Sunday, the Israeli government said ahead of a security cabinet vote on Friday as part of the internal process to formally approve the deal ...The Hill - 45m -
With or without DOGE, Democrats need a plan for fixing the government
Before Democrats dismiss the DOGE as just more MAGA trollery, it’s fair to ask — where’s their plan for making government more efficient and effective?The Hill - 53m
More in Politics
-
Top music acts announced for FireAid, a concert to support L.A. wildfire victims
The biggest names in pop, rock and country are coming together to raise funds for victims of the Palisades and Eaton wildfires and assist with the recovery.The Hill - 18m -
What Trump should do about Greenland
Trump’s concern about the Far North is a legitimate one; he is right to seek a more robust defense against potential Chinese or Russian operations in that region.The Hill - 23m -
Greenland prime minister: 'We don't want to be Americans'
Greenland’s prime minister weighed in on President-elect Trump's proposal to acquire the island territory, arguing that the nation intends to keep working toward independence from Denmark. “We ...The Hill - 26m -
Israel, Hamas ceasefire poised to begin Sunday
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is poised to begin Sunday, the Israeli government said ahead of a security cabinet vote on Friday as part of the internal process to formally approve the deal ...The Hill - 45m -
Live updates: Kristi Noem has confirmation hearing; Senate holds key vote on Laken Riley Act
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R), President-elect Trump's pick to head the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is set to appear for her confirmation hearing before a Senate panel on Friday. The ...The Hill - 53m