Paxton lawsuit prompts end of federal endangered species protection for Texas lizard
The federal government has rescinded endangered species protections for the dunes sagebrush lizard in Texas. This decision follows a lawsuit brought by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who argued that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service failed to provide sufficient scientific justification for the 2024 designation. The species, which resides in the Permian Basin, has been a focal point for environmental debates for years.
The removal of this classification stems from a July 21 legal settlement between state officials and federal authorities. As a result of this agreement, the Fish and Wildlife Service is now required to conduct a new assessment of the lizard’s status over the next two years. During this period, the legal protections previously afforded to the reptile are no longer in effect.
Attorney General Paxton praised the move, describing the earlier classification as an overreach that disregarded regional habitat restoration efforts and ignored potential economic impacts. Supporters of the state's position noted that previous restrictions on land use hindered development projects in the Permian Basin, which is a major hub for energy production.
Environmental groups and some biologists have challenged the settlement. Critics argue that the decision prioritizes the interests of the oil and gas industry over conservation goals. They contend that the lizard continues to face significant risks due to human activity in the region and expressed concern that this pattern indicates a broader shift in federal wildlife policy.
This is not the first time the lizard’s status has been contested. A similar proposal in 2012 to list the reptile as endangered was also set aside following opposition from state leaders and energy sector representatives. Federal officials stated that they remain committed to working with local partners to identify how to balance development with long-term habitat preservation as the new review process begins.