Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is taking a stand against the Biden administration officials, as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Department of the Interior over the classification of the dunes sagebrush lizard as an endangered species. Paxton believes that this designation is weaponizing environmental law to undermine the Texas oil and gas industries.
The lawsuit filed by Paxton’s office argues that designating the dunes sagebrush lizard as endangered is a violation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Paxton claims that this designation will have negative impacts on vital economic development in the Permian Basin, affecting industries and private landowners with regulatory uncertainty.
The Permian Basin, where the dunes sagebrush lizard is found, is crucial for oil and gas production, making this designation even more controversial. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service states that oil and gas companies can use horizontal drilling techniques to access deposits without disrupting the lizard’s habitat.
Despite these assurances, Paxton is determined to challenge the legality of this designation in court. He believes that the Biden-Harris Administration is trying to misuse environmental laws to target Texas’ oil and gas industries.
The Controversy Continues
In response to the new designation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mentioned that ranchers and oil and gas partners have entered into voluntary agreements to use conservation practices while managing their land. However, the debate surrounding the protection of the dunes sagebrush lizard persists.
Senator Ted Cruz has introduced a bill to reverse the lizard’s endangered species status, criticizing the Biden administration for hindering American energy production. The protection of the dunes sagebrush lizard has been a topic of discussion since 1982 due to habitat destruction for agriculture.
To learn more about the dunes sagebrush lizard and its habitat, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can provide valuable insights. Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing environmental controversy.
About the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard
The dunes sagebrush lizard, found in southeastern New Mexico and western Texas, has an average length of 2.8 inches for females and 2.6 inches for males. This species was classified as endangered as of June 20, 2024. For more information on the dunes sagebrush lizard and its conservation status, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.