DOI offers opportunity for greater collaboration between state and federal governments on sage grouse conservation
WASHINGTON, August 7, 2017 – API issued the following statement in response to the Department of the Interior today ordering the Bureau of Land Management to make changes to its conservation efforts for the greater sage grouse and collaboration between state and federal governments. In June, Secretary Zinke issued a secretarial order to establish an internal review team to evaluate federal and state sage grouse conservation plans to ensure they are complementary.
“Removing administrative barriers to conservation is critical to protecting the greater sage grouse without hindering responsible energy development and local economic opportunities,” said API Upstream Director Erik Milito. “The record shows that energy development and sage grouse populations can successfully coexist, and the industry has been a leader in working with state governments and agencies to preserve Western habitats, while continuing to meet the needs of America’s energy consumers.
“Through advancements in technology and by working with conservation organizations and local and federal officials, the industry is preserving habitats and protecting wildlife in the United States. Conservation efforts like reclamation, habitat improvement projects, land set-asides, and strategically targeted conservation easements are all ways the industry has helped improve protection for the greater sage grouse and its environment. We look forward to reviewing Interior’s report, and continuing to work with the states and Department of the Interior to prioritize sage grouse conservation and local economic growth.”
API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 10.3 million U.S. jobs and nearly 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 40 million Americans.
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