Measure delays sage grouse listing

This month Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), and Reps. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Rob Bishop (R-Utah), Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Scott Tipton (R-Colo.) introduced the Sage Grouse Protection and Conservation Act.

This legislation would prevent the sage grouse from being listed under the Endangered Species Act for 10 years, and instead requires states to develop conservation management plans to meet the unique needs of the sage grouse in each state.

The Sage Grouse Protection and Conservation Act encourages states to work with the Departments of Interior and Agriculture throughout the species management process to ensure that all concerns about the recovery of the sage grouse are met.

The Center for Western Priorities released the following statement from advocacy director Jessica Goad in response to Rep. Cory Gardner's new sage grouse legislation.

"Representative Gardner's bill is the worst way to solve a challenge - avoid it."