Dunes Sagebrush Lizard Listed as Endangered, Impacting Oil and Gas Operations

Federal decision concludes decades-long debate, citing energy development and habitat loss as critical threats to the species.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declared the dunes sagebrush lizard endangered, affecting New Mexico and West Texas.
The lizard's habitat has been heavily fragmented by oil, gas, and sand mining activities, leading to a significant population decline.
Conservationists support the listing, viewing it as essential for the species' survival, while industry leaders argue it threatens economic interests.
The decision follows years of legal battles and political pressure, with previous attempts at state-led conservation deemed insufficient.
New restrictions will require oil and gas companies to obtain permits, potentially slowing production in the Permian Basin.