Nevada Judge Refuses to Block Sage Grouse Protections

RENO, Nev. (AP) — A federal judge in Reno is refusing to temporarily block new U.S. rules intended to protect the greater sage grouse.

Judge Miranda Du said yesterday that nine Nevada counties challenging the regulations have failed to prove any irreparable harm that could be averted by immediately halting their implementation. Du said opponents can argue their case at a trial, expected to begin early next year.