RENO, Nev. (AP) — A federal judge in Nevada says after two days of testimony she isn't ready to decide whether to grant a temporary court order to block U.S. land use regulations protecting the greater sage grouse.
A lawyer arguing for the temporary injunction told U.S. District Judge Miranda Du during a hearing in Reno Wednesday the new restrictions on mining and livestock grazing threaten the economic survival of several counties and the "very way of life" of rural Nevadans.
Government lawyers say any court order would be premature. They say the general policies won't affect any activities until the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management make site-specific decisions about grazing, mining and other development.
Judge Du gave no indication when she expects to rule. She said earlier the critics carry a high burden of proof.
