Echoing an earlier argument put forward by the Western Governors Association, the congressmen said Western states have been working on cooperative habitat conservation efforts for the bird, and a government listing could jeopardize that work.

“The greater sage grouse conservation effort is a perfect case study where cooperative conservation efforts are making a difference,” the congressmen wrote. “Please allow state and local sage grouse conservation efforts to continue and not add this species to the Endangered Species list."

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is expected to make a decision on whether to protect the fowl, described by the service as “a large, ground-dwelling chicken-like bird,” as an endangered species.

Such a designation would mean large parts of several states, including scattered portions of Utah, would be protected as critical habitat for the bird.

A decision on the petition to list the bird is expected by the end of the year.