Don't Play Politics with Sage-Grouse Protections!
Knuckling under to ranching and oil industry lobbyists, Congress has inserted a measure that would bar the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from taking any action to protect imperiled greater sage-grouse. Habitat loss and degradation has driven many of these birds to the brink of extinction.
It is simply outrageous that Congress would include such a grossly irresponsible rider on this Omnibus. This is yet another example of the recent political attacks on our nation's wildlife and natural heritage with Congress once again meddling in what should be science-driven decision making and ultimately placing an imperiled species at grave risk.
Tell Congress and President Obama to stop playing politics with our nation's wildlife!
Stop interfering with sage-grouse recovery! Dear Members of Congress and President Obama, I am outraged that Congress is finalizing an Omnibus spending bill that threatens the survival of imperiled greater sage-grouse across the Western landscape. And, in doing so, it undermines conservation efforts that would benefit millions of acres of declining Western lands and the hundreds of other species these lands support. The sage-grouse rider freezes the ability of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to carry out necessary conservation efforts to protect greater sage-grouse. Furthermore, it puts Congress, not biologists in charge of micromanaging the future of these imperiled birds and undermines science-based decision making and the Endangered Species Act. Sage-grouse have experienced dramatic population declines in some cases over 90%; the Columbia Basin sage-grouse numbers less than 1,000 individuals. Continued pressure from big oil and industrial ranching has devastated sage-grouse habitat across the west, putting these species at a very real risk of extinction. These iconic creatures need more protection, not more delays. [Your comments here] I urge you to oppose any future efforts, whether in budget or stand-alone bills, to further delay efforts to protect sage-grouse and undermine the Endangered Species Act. As stewards of our natural heritage, it is imperative that we protect our native wildlife and lands for future generations. Sincerely, [Your name]
