FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Texas Oil & Gas Association
Dec. 2, 2011

Austin, TX – The following statement in response to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s six month extension of the final determination for the proposed listing of the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard should be attributed to Debbie Hastings, Vice President of Environmental Affairs of the Texas Oil and Gas Association:

“Oil and gas stakeholders feel strongly that the consequences associated with listing the dunes sagebrush lizard as an endangered species are far too significant to the economic health of Texas to proceed without a thorough evaluation of fact-based science. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s announcement to delay a final decision signals that serious concerns about the accuracy of the data surrounding the lizard are valid and substantial.

“Clearly sound science and level heads are prevailing, and when a final decision is made, the state’s energy producers believe a hybrid approach that emphasizes conservation and recovery is both smart public policy and good for our larger economy.

“At a time when our domestic energy demands are increasing and our national economy is faltering, we simply cannot afford to freeze vital oil and gas production, squelch job creation and eliminate millions of dollars of state and federal revenue with an endangered species designation that simply isn’t warranted.
“We appreciate the leadership of Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Comptroller Combs, which resulted in this delay. Both Texas leaders were tireless in fighting for Texas oil and gas stakeholders and we look forward to working with federal officials, our Congressional leaders and Comptroller Combs who agree that we must ensure that the dunes sagebrush lizard is kept off the endangered species list in favor of a more reasonable, responsible solution.”