Group Pleased With Sage Grouse Decision

Laramie, WY – A Laramie-based environmental group is pleased the U-S Fish and Wildlife Service will consider whether the sage grouse needs Endangered Species protection. The agency published a "90-Day Finding" which will start a scientific investigation into the animals' status. Biodiversity Conservation Alliance wildlife biologist Erik Molvar says oil and gas drilling has threatened the sage grouse habitat across Wyoming. He says the decision serves as a wake-up call to other federal and state agencies that they haven't done enough to protect habitat. Molvar says oil and gas drilling impacts on sage grouse habitat could be reduced if companies were required to use directional drilling in those areas.