The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill that would prohibit the Obama Administration from declaring the sage grouse as an endangered species for 10 years.
U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Hood River), a strong supporter of the bill, praised the passage of the bill.
“This bill is excellent news for farmers and ranchers in Eastern Oregon,” he said. “A premature listing of the sage grouse could severely impact jobs in rural communities, so a delay would give states like Oregon the breathing room to implement local conservation plans without the heavy hand of the federal government getting in the way. I am proud that this common-sense provision passed the House with strong support, and I hope that the Senate will quickly take action on it. Livelihoods in Eastern Oregon and throughout the rural West depend on it.”
The sage grouse provision was included in an annual defense authorization bill because an endangered species listing could impact the military’s ability to train on key lands throughout the United States, potentially harming military readiness and national security.
Eastern Oregon ranchers praised the bill and Walden’s role in it.
“I am very glad to see the House act to delay the listing of the sage grouse,” said John O’Keeffe, President-Elect of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association. “A delay would lift a tremendous threat to eastern Oregon that undermines ongoing conservation efforts that myself and other local ranchers and property owners are trying to implement locally. I appreciate Rep. Walden’s continued interest in this issue and work to get this legislation through the House and over to the Senate for action.”
