Obama admin. sued by Colo. Gov. Hickenlooper over Gunnison sage grouse

The Washington Times ^ | December 13, 2014 | Valerie Richardson

[jazusamo]

DENVER — Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper made good Friday on his promise to sue the federal government over its hotly contested move to list the Gunnison sage grouse under the Endangered Species Act.

The Colorado Attorney General’s office filed a notice of intent to sue with Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and Fish and Wildlife Service director Daniel M. Ashe, arguing that the agency’s Nov. 12 decision to list the bird as threatened was flawed and failed to appreciate fully the impact of aggressive state and local conservation efforts.

“The Service failed to use the best available science in its listing decision,” said the six-page notice by Assistant Attorney General Lisa Reynolds. “The best available scientific data indicates that the species is not warranted for protection under the ESA because the Gunnison basin population, which comprises the vast majority of the species’ individuals and occupied range, is not in danger of extinction now or in the foreseeable future.”

The decision to list the Gunnison sage grouse, found only in southwestern Colorado and eastern Utah, was closely watched by state officials and wildlife advocates who believe it may foreshadow the agency’s action on the greater sage grouse, which has a far larger habitat extending across 11 Western states.

A greater sage grouse listing could chill economic development throughout the rural West, including ranching, grazing and energy development.

[ClayinVA]

I have a friend who found over 72 different species of an incest for her masters degree this fall. I think they are misusing the word species. The next time I see her, I will ask her about it.

[G Larry]

You will find that the term “species” has evolved more than a liberal between the campaign and taking office.