LIZARD Act of 2025

Bill 119 hr 2573, also known as the "Dunes Sagebrush Lizard Protection Act," aims to remove the dunes sagebrush lizard from the lists of threatened and endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The bill also seeks to amend the Act to specifically exclude the dunes sagebrush lizard from the protections and regulations provided by the Act.

The dunes sagebrush lizard is a species native to the dunes and shinnery oak habitats of West Texas and Southeastern New Mexico. It has been listed as a threatened species since 1982 due to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by oil and gas development, agriculture, and urbanization.

Supporters of the bill argue that the current protections for the dunes sagebrush lizard under the Endangered Species Act are overly burdensome and hinder economic development in the region. They believe that removing the lizard from the Act's protections will allow for more flexibility in land use and resource extraction activities. Opponents of the bill, however, argue that the dunes sagebrush lizard is still at risk of extinction and requires continued protection under the Endangered Species Act. They believe that removing the lizard from the Act's protections could lead to further habitat destruction and population decline. Overall, Bill 119 hr 2573 is a controversial piece of legislation that highlights the ongoing debate between conservation efforts and economic development. It will be important for lawmakers to carefully consider the potential impacts of removing the dunes sagebrush lizard from the protections of the Endangered Species Act before making a decision on the bill.