“Senator Risch and I strongly support the collaborative work undergone in Idaho, other state governments and a broad range of impacted stakeholders to conserve habitat for the sage grouse,” said Crapo. “This legislation will provide states the ability to implement locally-based land management plans that were developed and will be managed by those who know the local conditions and needs best.”

“If the federal government shares our concerns and goals, it will allow the states to implement their own plans to protect the sage-grouse while at the same time meeting their individual community’s needs,” said Risch.

“For years, state leaders have worked tirelessly to develop and implement careful, pragmatic plans to protect the Greater Sage-grouse and its habitat,” said Hatch. “These efforts have paid off tremendously, producing laudable results in the continued conservation and recovery of the species. This legislation will empower the states to continue their good work in conserving the species while simultaneously protecting our lands and jobs from federal overreach.”

“No one knows how to take care of Utah better than Utahns,” Lee said. “Our state has spent millions of dollars restoring half a million acres of sage grouse habitat, but despite this success, the federal government has forced its own plan on us. This bill will restore the proper state-federal sage grouse management balance.”