Threatened Status for the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment of Greater Sage-Grouse With Special Rule and Designation of Critical Habitat

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period on our October 28, 2013, proposed rule to list the Bi-State distinct population segment (DPS) of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, with a special rule. We are also reopening the public comment period on our October 28, 2013, proposed rule to designate critical habitat for this DPS. We are also announcing the location and time of public hearings to receive public comments on the proposals. Finally, we announce a 6-month extension of the final determination of whether or not to list the Bi-State DPS as a threatened species. We are taking this action based on substantial disagreement regarding the sufficiency or accuracy of the available data relevant to the proposed listing, making it necessary to solicit additional information by reopening the comment period for 60 days. We will publish a listing determination on or before April 28, 2015.