Little Apple Times

U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann and August Pfluger have reintroduced the Limiting Incredulous Zealots Against Restricting Drilling (LIZARD) Act in the House of Representatives. This legislation aims to remove the dunes sagebrush lizard from the Endangered Species Act’s threatened and endangered species list. Additionally, the representatives have urged Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, to reconsider the listing of both the dunes sagebrush lizard and the lesser prairie-chicken (LPC) from the endangered list, citing the success of local conservation efforts.

Rep. Mann stated, "From day one, President Biden used every tool in his toolbox to trample on the livelihoods of America’s energy and agricultural producers." He criticized the Biden administration for relying on federal decision-makers over local ones and expressed a desire to restore regulatory control to impacted communities. Mann looks forward to working with President Trump and Secretary Burgum to reverse what he describes as "ill-informed listings."

Similarly, Rep. Pfluger expressed his opposition to the listing initiated during the Biden Administration, describing it as a "direct attack on our hardworking men and women in the energy sector." He advocated for policies that would protect energy production and jobs while recognizing private conservation efforts in West Texas. Pfluger said he is "proud to lead the charge" alongside Mann to undo policies from the previous administration.

The listings in question, initiated under the Biden administration, classified the LPC and dunes sagebrush lizard as endangered, a decision that representatives argue overlooked conservation efforts by local stakeholders in Kansas and Texas. These efforts, according to the representatives, have contributed to an increase in the lesser prairie-chicken population and conserved the dunes sagebrush lizard habitat.

The representatives emphasized the importance of empowering states, landowners, and private partners to take charge of species management to maintain economic growth while protecting wildlife. They wrote, "Striking this balance is critical to maintaining our environmental stewardship and America’s energy dominance."

They concluded by stating that the Trump Administration has the capability to "correct these misguided policies" by directing the Fish and Wildlife Service to delist the species in question. This action, they argue, would restore balance, protect American energy production, retain jobs, and support rural economies.

Mann had previously introduced legislation to remove the LPC from the endangered species list and prevent any future attempts to relist it. Historical actions include extending public commentary periods and opposing Biden’s veto that followed the July 2023 House-passed resolution against LPC’s listing.

For additional details on Rep. Mann's initiatives, individuals may refer to his official website.