Sage Grouse Won't Get Endangered Species Act Protection

Photo by Jeannie Stafford/US Fish & Wildlife Service

The oil and gas industry, cattle grazing and farming are now safe from new restrictions that could have been problematic for Democrats in next year's elections. The Greater Sage Grouse is officially not an endangered species after all. Once numbering in the millions from California to North and South Dakota, now there are only a few hundred thousand Greater Sage Grouse left, but the Interior Department said today they're not part of an endangered species.

Rocky Barker is environment and energy reporter for the Idaho Statesman.