East Idaho Times

Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, along with Governor Brad Little, released a statement regarding the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Final Resource Management Plan for the Greater Sage-grouse Land Use Plan Amendments and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The proposed amendments could impact 77 state-led sage-grouse resource management plans across Western states.

The officials emphasized Idaho's leadership in habitat and wildlife management, noting significant progress in conserving the greater sage-grouse through state-led collaboration and science-based decision-making. They stated, "Management considerations cannot be rushed simply for the administration’s political convenience. Adequate time, resources, and local input are necessary to ensure the end result is feasible and scientifically sound."

Idaho's sage-grouse conservation plan has been praised by both Democrat and Republican administrations. To counteract activist litigation that burdens taxpayers and hinders state conservation efforts, an Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing prohibition on greater sage-grouse has been included in every annual appropriations bill since fiscal year 2015. This measure allows state conservation initiatives to continue without federal interference.