The BLM rolled back sage grouse protections to boost energy development across eight Western states.

On December 22, 2025, the Bureau of Land Management finalized revised greater sage grouse management plans across eight Western states, rolling back Biden-era restrictions to ease oil, gas, and mining development. The updated plan, aligned with Trump administration priorities, modifies population thresholds for protections, adjusts habitat rules in Utah, and expands access to federal lands for energy projects. It designates about 65 million acres as critical sagebrush habitat while allowing greater development compared to 2015 guidelines. The BLM says the changes balance conservation with energy security and Western economic interests, following public input and state collaboration. Final documents are available online, with a Federal Register notice pending.