The Biden administration on Thursday took steps to safeguard an iconic bird species of the Wester United States — but did so in only two out of the 10 states where such protections were anticipated.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced that it would be signing records of decision to improve the conservation of greater sage-grouse on public lands in Colorado and Oregon.

Although this decision could be critical for longevity of the sage-grouse in these two areas, a proposal released just two months ago had signaled that such protections would apply to 10 states — and could be issued before President-elect Trump takes office.

The greater sage-grouse, which has long been suffering........

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