Endangered Species Law Runs Amok

We saw farmland dry up in California because of a two inch fish.  The farmland became a dustbowl and thousands lost their jobs.  Now a three inch lizard may do the same to oil production.  Has the Endangered Species law run amok?

Called the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard, this three-inch lizard that thrives in desert conditions. It could shut down oil and gas operations in portions of Southeast New Mexico and in West Texas, including the state's top two oil producing counties.

The lizard is being considered for inclusion on the federal Endangered Species listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

"We are very concerned about the Fish and Wildlife Service listing," said Ben Shepperd, president of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association (PBPA), noting the service also has proposed listing the Lesser Prairie Chicken next year. "The wolf at the door is the lizard; we're concerned listing it would shut down drilling activity for a minimum of two years and as many as five years while the service determines what habitat is needed for the lizard. That means no drilling, no seismic surveys, no roads built, no electric lines."

Not only would the move impact oil and gas operations but agriculture, Shepperd noted, shutting down agricultural activities like grazing and farming -- "anything that disturbs the habitat." While the industry is perfectly willing to undertake conservation measures to protect the lizard's habitat, he said, naming it an endangered species "would shut down activity and be devastating not only to Permian Basin economies but to the national economy. We are the one bright spot month after month; in our economic turnaround, the main driver is the oil and gas industry."

In New Mexico, where the lizard can be found on both private and public lands, Shepperd said a number of companies have entered into voluntary agreements to help conserve the lizard's habitat, mitigate threats to the lizard and remediate any damage while continuing to operate. He said he wants the same to happen in Texas. The association favors such joint agreements between the federal government and landowners to protect the lizard's habitat while allowing drilling operations to continue responsibly.

"The point is, we think the best way is for land owners and industry actually on the ground where the lizards are, who know how to protect the lizard, to be in charge instead of the feds putting up 'Do Not Enter' signs on every gatepost," Shepperd said.

The Barack Obama administration at this point appears more concerned about a three inch lizard than farmland and oil production.  The land owners and oil companies have shown their willingness to take measures to protect the lizard.  The federal government though keeps pushing forward.  Only big brother knows best.

Become informed and involved America.  The federal government is taking all rights from us the people.  We have to stop this usurpation of our rights.

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