Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Interior announced the greater sage grouse would not be listed as an endangered or threatened species:
“I commend the Department of the Interior and the eleven western states with sage grouse habitat for their unparalleled collaboration. Nevada has the second highest population of sage grouse and some of the best habitat in the country and I want to applaud Governor Brian Sandoval and his staff for the phenomenal work done in partnership with Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. The decision not to list this unique bird was made because of the proactive conservation of sagebrush habitat agreed upon by the states and federal agencies. This process has not been easy and we have a long way to go. But all those involved in this historic process should be proud of the outcome. This conservation not only protects the sage grouse, it also protects our rangelands, our mule deer and pronghorn antelope habitat and our western way of life. I look forward to continued cooperation between the federal agencies, states and local governments on implementing the sage grouse management plans and making sure that the sage grouse can thrive alongside our western economies.”
