Central Wyoming News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, voiced his concerns regarding the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) plan to publish a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) that includes proposed changes to sage grouse management plans in Wyoming.

Senator Barrasso emphasized the importance of incorporating local expertise in the conservation efforts, stating, "For decades, Wyoming has led the country in successful sage-grouse conservation efforts. Imposing sweeping regulations has hindered these efforts in the past and will only be ineffective in the future. The Bureau of Land Management should rely on local experts in Wyoming and across the West as it updates its plan. The Bureau’s final plan must allow activities essential to Wyoming’s economy – including energy production and livestock grazing – to thrive.”

The proposed amendments by the BLM would impact a significant area, including Wyoming and nine other western states with sage-grouse habitat, covering nearly 121 million acres of public land. Potential decisions arising from these amendments could influence up to 69 million acres of public land, which are utilized for various purposes such as grazing, forestry, recreation, and American energy production.

Senator Barrasso's statement underlines the need for a balanced approach in the conservation plan to ensure the preservation of sage-grouse habitats while also supporting economic activities crucial to the region.