I'm beginning to wonder if there might be more significant delays than I originally thought as well. The BLM has a terrible track record in federal court with Sage-Grouse. There have been two very recent rulings against it, one related to grazing and the other related to drilling. Thacker Pass is within the conservation area for Sage-Grouse and is right on the border of a Priority Area of Conservation (PAC). Below are links to the two recent court cases, and a link to a series of maps related to Sage-Grouse habitats.  

I'm hoping someone can articulate why these cases are different and we shouldn't expect the same results in Thacker Pass.

Judge blocks drilling plans in 2 states, citing bird habitat

US Judge Blocks Nevada Grazing; Sage Grouse Totals Dwindling

Greater Sage-Grouse Maps