Interior Chief Focuses in Vegas on Cooperation with States

LAS VEGAS (AP) — U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell says everyone has a stake in issues facing the West — from drought to wildfires to species protection to abandoned mines.

She's urging states to continue working with federal officials to address them.Jewell told the Western Governors Association on Friday in Las Vegas that adopting rules this year to protect habitat for the greater sage grouse, rather than declare the chicken-sized bird an endangered species, was one example of cooperation.

She also notes the move is keeping lawyers busy fighting over restrictions on mining, ranching and development. Some say it hurts rural economies. Jewell got a warm reception during her keynote speech. Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead credited Jewell with never missing a twice-yearly conference with governors of the 19 states in the association.