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Elko, Eureka Counties Join Federal Sage Grouse Lawsuit

Elko and Eureka Counties have decided to join a lawsuit against the federal government regarding its sage grouse protection plan.

The lawsuit filed in Reno says if plans go forward, the, quote, "total destruction of certain businesses," end quote, could take place.

Attorneys representing the counties and the natural resources companies that are also parties in the suit said gold and silver mining operations, as well as oil and natural gas exploration, would be threatened by the plans to protect the sage grouse.

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Meanwhile, some environmental advocates are also considering filing suit against the government's plans, saying they do too little to protect the sage grouse.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Casey Morell is the coordinating producer of Nevada Public Radio's flagship broadcast State of Nevada and one of the station's midday newscast announcers. (He's also been interviewed by Jimmy Fallon, whatever that's worth.)