Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
We're working to fix a technical issue causing problems with our broadcasts. We'll have it resolved as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Trump Proposes Easing Oil, Gas Leasing Restrictions In West

Oil pump.
Oil pump.

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The Trump administration is proposing to ease restrictions on oil and gas leasing and other activities across a huge swath of the American West that were enacted to protect a declining bird species.

Interior Department officials on Wednesday released a draft of their proposed changes to conservation plans for the greater sage grouse in seven states.

The protections were approved in 2015 under former President Barack Obama.

But Trump has vowed to increase U.S. energy production and open more public lands to drilling.

Sage grouse are ground-dwelling, chicken-sized birds known for their elaborate mating ritual. Their numbers declined in recent decades due to energy development, disease and other causes.

Environmental groups earlier this week filed lawsuits alleging the administration already has sold energy leases in violation of the Obama-era plans.

Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information
Related Content