U.S. drops 2020 review of Greater Sage Grouse

Federal officials have dropped plans to conduct a five-year status review of the Greater Sage Grouse.  In 2015, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said the greater sage grouse was not a threatened or endangered species but pledged to revisit the issue in five years.  USFW Spokeswoman Jennifer Strickland told the Associated Press the agency is not legally required to complete a review, which can be a first step toward determining if greater protections are needed.  Strickland added the agency instead will work with state wildlife officials to document the effectiveness of conservation plans for the bird.

On Thursday, the Trump administration advanced a proposal to overhaul those conservation plans and lift restrictions on oil and gas drilling in grouse habitat.

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