Congressional Spending Bill Prohibits Endangered Species Act Designation for Greater Sage-Grouse

Congress released its $1.01 trillion spending bill to keep the US government open through September 2015. Among its environmental riders is language restricting the US Fish & Wildlife Service from determining whether the Greater Sage-Grouse is eligible for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The 探花精选 has released the following statement:

鈥淭he priority right now is to get science-based, state-level conservation plans in place that are effective enough to avoid a federal listing for the Greater Sage-Grouse in the first place,鈥 said Brian Rutledge, VP and Policy Director for the 探花精选. 鈥淭his rider will only complicate coordination between the BLM and statehouses and stems entirely from political considerations, ignoring scientific input and voices across the Mountain West that want strong plans in place.鈥

###

The 探花精选 saves birds and their habitats throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. 探花精选's state programs, nature centers, chapters and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. Since 1905, 探花精选's vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. 探花精选 is a nonprofit conservation organization. Learn more at  and .