Biden administration to restrict drilling, renewables in the US West to help struggling bird

Associated Press

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — U.S. officials are proposing tighter restrictions on oil, solar and wind energy development across more than 6,500 square miles of federal land in the U.S. West. The goal is to protect a declining bird species, the greater sage grouse. Grouse numbers plummeted in recent decades because of drilling, disease and other pressures. Friday’s plan would eliminate loopholes that allowed development in areas considered crucial to the bird’s long-term survival. Interior Department officials say it balances development with conservation. However, it is doubtful the proposed changes would survive under President-elect Donald Trump.