A tiny, two-and-a-half-inch lizard is causing a significant stir in the Permian Basin, following its recent designation as an endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
The dunes sagebrush lizard, a rare reptile native to parts of West Texas and eastern New Mexico, now finds itself at the center of a heated dispute involving the oil and gas sector. This lizard’s habitat, located within the Permian Basin—home to over 7,000 active oil and gas fields—has prompted the industry to mount a strong opposition against the endangered species listing and potential restrictions on their operations.
The FWS reports that the dunes sagebrush lizard thrives in the shinnery oak and sand dune ecosystems of extreme southeast New Mexico and west Texas, occupying approximately 4% of the 86,000-square-mile Permian Basin. The primary threats to the lizard include habitat destruction from oil and gas development, sand mining, and climate change.
The oil and gas industry’s concerns have led to appeals for intervention from Congress and the Texas Railroad Commission, the state’s oil and gas regulatory body, aiming to reverse the endangered species designation.
The debate over the lizard’s status has been ongoing for nearly four decades. Environmental advocates have persistently urged the FWS to address the lizard’s conservation needs. On May 17, 2024, the FWS granted their request by officially listing the dunes sagebrush lizard as endangered.
Amy Lueders, the FWS Southwest Regional Director, emphasized the importance of the Endangered Species Act in preventing the extinction of species like the dunes sagebrush lizard. She assured that the FWS will collaborate with Tribes, industry, stakeholders, and private landowners to protect both the lizard and its habitat.
At present, the designation of critical habitat for the lizard is deemed “prudent but not determinable.” The FWS has up to a year from the listing date to propose such habitat.
Before the endangered species listing, approximately 100 ranchers and 100 oil and gas operators in New Mexico and Texas had already entered into voluntary agreements to implement conservation practices. These agreements assured that, if the lizard were listed, they could continue managing their land without additional restrictions. In New Mexico, these agreements cover nearly 85% of the lizard’s range, while in Texas, the focus is on mitigating impacts on lizard habitat. The FWS plans to use various tools and programs to work with stakeholders to ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act.
Despite these measures, the oil and gas industry remains staunchly opposed. The Permian Basin Petroleum Association (PBPA) criticized the listing as a significant threat to oil and gas production, wind and solar energy development, and national energy security.
Texas Railroad Commission members have also expressed strong disapproval, unanimously voting to ask the Texas Attorney General to challenge the designation. Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian condemned the listing as a politically motivated move to undermine U.S. oil and gas production, which he argues will lead to increased inflation and global repercussions.
In response to the listing, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced legislation aimed at reversing the designation, asserting that it jeopardizes American jobs and energy production in the Permian Basin. U.S. Representative August Pfluger (R-Texas) has supported this effort with companion legislation in the House.
Brian Ford, editor in chief for Industrial Info Resources, offers insights into the ongoing conflict. Ford, with a career spanning decades in journalism, has covered various industries and continues to provide up-to-date project information globally.