The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has removed endangered species protections for the dunes sagebrush lizard, a Texas species. These protections were initially introduced in 2024 after state Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the federal government over the designation.
The dunes sagebrush lizard, a small reptile measuring roughly 2.5 inches, is native to the Permian Basin. Oil and gas development in the region has posed threats to the species for decades, according to biologists. The lizard was designated as endangered by the Biden administration, prompting federal protections. However, Paxton argued that the Wildlife Service failed to use comprehensive scientific and commercial data in its assessment.
The endangered classification ended as part of a lawsuit settlement reached on July 21 between the federal government and Paxton’s office. This agreement nullifies the 2024 designation, necessitating a new assessment of the lizard’s status. Paxton expressed approval of the reassessment, suggesting the initial decision overlooked habitat restoration efforts.
Texas, its people, and its industries should not have to suffer the effects of an illegal rule while the Fish and Wildlife Service further evaluates the status of the species,
Paxton stated in a press release about the settlement.
The Wildlife Service remains committed to collaborating with local partners to protect the lizard’s habitat, as mentioned in a statement. Conservationists and biologists have criticized Paxton’s motion to withdraw the lizard’s endangered status, asserting it benefits oil and gas interests. In February, the lesser prairie chicken, another species found in parts of Texas, also had its endangered classification removed following a court ruling.
Jason Rylander, a senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, criticized the Wildlife Service for prioritizing political and industrial convenience over wildlife protection.
Oil and gas companies had previously cautioned that restrictions associated with the lizard’s endangered status could hinder regional projects. A reassessment of the sagebrush lizard’s status is expected within two years of the settlement, according to the Wildlife Service.
An earlier effort in 2012 to classify the lizard as endangered also fell through due to opposition from Texas officials and industry groups, which questioned the scientific data on the risks faced by the species.
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