The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) aims to increase access to public lands in several Western states for energy and mining development, in accordance with President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order, “Unleashing American Energy.” Now they are requesting public comment related to previous plans protecting the habitat of the Common Sage Grouse to make way for these energy projects.
The BLM controls the most significant chunk of sage grouse habitat in the U.S. – almost 65 million out of 145 million acres. While environmentalists worry how these new priorities might affect the Sage grouse population, officials say their proposals take into account studies done on how sage grouse respond to environmental disturbances.
Sage grouse populations are dwindling. What used to be in the millions is now under 800,000, mainly because of habitat loss worsened by droughts, wildfires, and invasive species. However, the sage grouse also shares its habitat with over 350 other species of wildlife, including pronghorn, mule deer, and pygmy rabbits.
These lands also support Western rural economies based on activities such as recreation, ranching, farming, energy, and small businesses, so finding a balance between protecting the species and other realities is a bit of a challenge. That’s why the BLM is requesting public comment to help align its priorities.
The amendments would affect BLM-managed public lands in California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.
More than 1,100 residents and farmers have signed a letter urging Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins to step in, saying the proposal threatens irrigation supplies and long-term farm viability in the region.
December 23, 2025 11:37 AM
·
With record grain harvests and rising global ethanol demand, leaders across the ag and energy sectors are pushing for year-round E15 sales to mitigate the strain on grain trade.
December 22, 2025 02:45 PM
·
Stronger rail movement and lower fuel prices are easing logistics, even as export pace and river conditions remain uneven.
December 22, 2025 02:12 PM
·
Concerns over Chronic Wasting Disease are fueling a long-standing legal battle between Minnesota regulators and deer farmers. The case could soon reach the state’s Supreme Court with broader implications for agriculture.
December 22, 2025 01:31 PM
·
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) are praising the passage of a bill to delist gray wolves as an endangered species by the U.S. House last week.
December 22, 2025 01:23 PM
·
In Minnesota, a legal and legislative battle has reached a tipping point. For over a decade, the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the private deer-farming industry have been locked in a dispute over the management of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
December 22, 2025 12:30 PM
·
Jeff Johnston with CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange explains the growing role of Rural America in supporting the nation’s digital infrastructure.
December 19, 2025 01:43 PM
·
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson reacts to the U.S. House’s passage of the SPEED Act, which aims to streamline federal permitting for energy and infrastructure projects, and discusses its potential impact on rural communities.
December 19, 2025 01:14 PM
·
Callahan is no stranger to agricultural trade and has been with the U.S. Trade Representative’s office since 2016.
December 19, 2025 11:53 AM
·
