Texas Governor Abbott Criticizes Biden-Harris Border Policies and USFWS' Endangered Species Act Classification

Texas has taken legal action against the Biden-Harris administration's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), alleging that their classification of the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard as an endangered species unlawfully undermines the state's oil and gas industry. The Texas General Land Office (GLO) asserts that this decision violates the Endangered Species Act and could have far-reaching negative consequences for the state's economy.

Classification's Impact on Texas' Economy

According to GLO Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, the Biden-Harris administration's classification of the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard as endangered could have a detrimental impact on the oil and gas sector, leading to job losses statewide and a decline in revenue for the Permanent School Fund (PSF) and Permanent University Fund (PUF). The GLO emphasizes the need to protect the state's economic interests, as the oil and gas industry plays a crucial role in funding public education in Texas.

Environmental Regulations and Education Funding

Commissioner Buckingham also expressed concerns about the weaponization of environmental regulations by the Biden-Harris administration, suggesting that it could harm Texas' economy and education funding. She emphasized the importance of ensuring quality education for children and highlighted the need for the oil-rich lands to contribute to public education funding in the state.

Furthermore, Buckingham vowed to utilize all available means to challenge the USFWS classification and protect Texas' interests. The GLO pointed out three inconsistencies in the classification, questioning the validity of the USFWS' assessment and its disregard for Texas' voluntary conservation efforts.

Rebuttal of USFWS Classification

The GLO asserts that the USFWS has failed to provide evidence demonstrating a significant change in oil and gas development in the Permian Basin to justify the new classification. They also criticize the USFWS for disregarding Texas' voluntary conservation efforts and ignoring population trends indicating an increase in Dunes Sagebrush Lizard numbers.

The legal challenge reflects the state's commitment to defending its economic interests and ensuring that regulatory decisions do not adversely impact its oil and gas industry, which is vital for job creation and public education funding.

Commissioner's Call to Action

As the first female Texas Land Commissioner, Buckingham emphasized the importance of fighting against what she perceives as an attempt to undermine the state and its education funding. Her stance highlights the intersection of environmental regulations and economic interests, particularly in regions heavily reliant on industries such as oil and gas.

GLO's Commitment to Action

The GLO's commitment to taking action against the USFWS classification underscores the agency's role in safeguarding Texas' economic interests while navigating environmental considerations. The legal challenge serves as a means to assert the state's position in the face of federal decisions that could potentially have far-reaching implications.