Pfluger Introduces LIZARD Act to Combat Zealots Destroying Oil and Gas Industry

SAN ANGELO, TX – San Angelo's Congressman August Pfluger has introduced a bill to help combat environmental groups from completely gutting the Permian Basin's drilling industry.

According to the bill, titled the "Limiting Incredulous Zealots Against Restricting Drilling," or LIZARD Act, will be used to combat the Endangered Species Act. The ESA was used to stop a portion of drilling area in the Midland area to protect the Sagebrush Lizard, which is an endangered species.

“On the campaign trail, President Biden promised to kill the fossil fuel industry, and that’s about the only promise we can count on him keeping. His latest tactic—listing the dunes sagebrush lizard as an endangered species so he can shut down drilling in the Permian—is just the latest in a string of assaults on the Permian Basin and our way of life," said Congressman Pfluger. "The President wants to control private property in Texas. Not on my watch. My legislation protects energy security and jobs in the Permian by nullifying his latest attack.”

As of December 31, 2022, through state and private conservation efforts in New Mexico alone, 1,905,120 acres have been enrolled in a Candidate Conservation Agreement (CCA) and Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) by the ranching community and 2,230,066 acres have been enrolled in the CCA and CCAA by the oil and gas industry to protect the dunes sagebrush lizard. 

These enrollments have resulted in a net acreage conservation gain for the species’ habitat and the associated financial contributions have helped fund dozens of reclamation and conservation programs to support the species while still affording for the development of natural resources and human existence in the region.

Efforts to save the lizard are ongoing. Pfluger suggests we do not need regulatory agencies to kill oil production in order to save the endangered species.