Sandoval Won’t Rule Out Joining Sage Grouse Suit But Not Now

ELKO, Nev. (AP) — Gov. Brian Sandoval says several Nevada counties — with the support of his own attorney general — are acting prematurely in suing to block U.S. regulations intended to protect the greater sage grouse.

Elko County commissioners voted last week to urge Sandoval to follow the lead of fellow Republican Attorney General Adam Laxalt and support the lawsuit seeking a temporary injunction blocking what they call "draconian land use prohibitions and restrictions."

The Republican governor says he won't rule out joining the lawsuit that goes before a federal judge in Reno on Nov. 17. But he told Elko Daily Free Press the best approach for now is to continue to present the state's objections as public comment through administrative channels.