Texas has initiated legal action against the Biden-Harris administration’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) over its recent actions affecting the state’s oil and gas sector. The Texas General Land Office (GLO) contends that the administration’s decision to list the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard as an endangered species breaches the Endangered Species Act.
GLO Commissioner Dawn Buckingham stated that this classification could severely impact the oil and gas industry, potentially leading to job losses statewide and reduced funding for the Permanent School Fund (PSF) and Permanent University Fund (PUF). Buckingham, in a statement provided to Fox News Digital, emphasised the need to prioritise education in Texas. She argued that the administration’s use of environmental regulations could harm the state’s economy and educational prospects.
“As a mother, I know our children are the future leaders and workforce,” she stated. “Providing them with a quality education is a key priority. My duty as the Texas Land Commissioner includes generating billions from our oil-rich lands to support public education.” She described the administration’s actions under the Endangered Species Act as an attempt to weaken Texas, damage its energy-driven economy, and reduce education funding.
We won’t let the Biden-Harris Administration undermine the Texas oil and gas industry.
This week, Commissioner Buckingham enlisted the State of Texas to sue the Biden-Harris Administration and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over illegally classifying the Dunes Sagebrush… pic.twitter.com/XCTCTEmdPW
— Texas General Land Office (@TXGLO) September 24, 2024
Buckingham pledged to use all available resources to counter these measures and ensure Texas remains a prime location for living, working, and raising families. The agency pointed out three discrepancies in the USFWS’ classification of the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard.Fox News Digital has requested comments from the USFWS.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Texas Tribune reports Texas AG Ken Paxton suing the federal government over the listing of the dunes sagebrush lizard as endangered, citing violations of the Endangered Species Act. (Read more)
- **Texas Attorney General’s Office** – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sues the Biden Administration over an unlawful attempt to undermine Texas’s oil and gas industries by misusing environmental law. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is Texas suing the Biden-Harris administration?
Texas claims the classification of the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard as endangered harms its oil and gas industry.
What impact does Texas say the endangered species classification will have?
Texas argues it will lead to job losses and decreased revenue for education funds.
Who made a statement about the lawsuit?
GLO Commissioner Dawn Buckingham made a statement criticizing the classification.
How does the classification affect Texas education funding?
The classification could reduce oil and gas revenues, impacting funds for public education.
What is the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard?
The Dunes Sagebrush Lizard is a species classified as endangered by the USFWS.
