Agency, states should not put politics over science on sage-grouse
Statement of Eric Holst, Associate Vice President of Working Lands, Environmental Defense Fund
(Washington, DC – August 7, 2017) The Department of the Interior today released the results of a 60-day departmental review of the federal plans for greater sage-grouse – a review initiated by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s secretarial order on June 7, 2017.
“Two years ago, Republican and Democratic governors, ranchers and conservationists, industry groups and state wildlife agencies all came together outside Denver to celebrate a truly bipartisan, collaborative conservation effort for the greater sage-grouse. The decision not to list the bird under the Endangered Species Act was based on a plan that incorporated strong science on the species and its habitat requirements.
“Today, the administration’s review opens the door to significant changes to the sage-grouse plans, which could undercut the sound science used to develop those plans and jeopardize what we know the bird needs to live and thrive. Putting politics over science would only increase the likelihood of a listing in the future.
“By reopening the federal plans, we risk undermining and undoing one of the greatest collaborative conservation efforts in our nation’s history.”
- Eric Holst, Associate Vice President of Working Lands, Environmental Defense Fund.
With more than 3 million members, Environmental Defense Fund creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships to turn solutions into action. edf.org
Media Contact
Latest press releases
-
18 Attorneys General Challenge Trump Administration’s Attacks on Wind Energy
May 5, 2025 -
EPA Draft Proposals Would Repeal Modern Limits on Mercury and Air Toxics for Coal Plants, Carbon Pollution Standards
May 3, 2025 -
Presidential Budget Request Would Make Us Less Healthy, Safe and Secure
May 2, 2025 -
Senate Votes to Overturn Industrial Air Pollution Safeguards
May 1, 2025 -
House Takes Unprecedented Step to Undermine California’s Clean Air Act Authority
April 30, 2025 -
New Map Shows Hundreds of Facilities Across the U.S. That Might Get a Pollution Pass from Trump Administration
April 30, 2025