Interior Secretary Sally Jewell took to social media this morning to announce that Greater Sage Grouse does not need federal protection. This means the the grouse will not be listed under the Endangered Species Act.
In the 3-minute video she posted, Jewell credits the hard work of 11 western states, including Wyoming, for instituting their own protections and eliminating the need for federal intervention.
Proud to announce #SageGrouse doesn’t need protection of Endangered Species Act. Here’s why it’s a #WildlifeWin -SJ https://t.co/nSQnAe8FNJ
— Sally Jewell (@SecretaryJewell) September 22, 2015
The decision is especially important for the oil and natural gas industries in Wyoming, which would have been significantly impacted should an endangered species listing have occurred.