Nevada Judge Won’t Rule on Sage Grouse Before Christmas

RENO, Nev. (AP) — A judge in Nevada is postponing a decision on whether to block U.S. regulations protecting the greater sage grouse.

U.S. District Judge Miranda Du says she's not clear if the rules are really to blame for delays in construction of a rural water supply tank near Great Basin National Park along the Utah line.

She granted an extension so lawyers can supplement arguments they made last week during a two-day hearing in Reno.

That means Du won't rule before Christmas on nine counties' request for a temporary injunction freezing the regulations.

White Pine County officials say the new rules have thrown a monkey wrench in their plans to replace a leaking water tank posing a health and safety threat in Baker.

Du wants more details on other factors the government says are contributing to any possible delay.