In a move to make the federal government more fiscally responsible, Republicans have introduced amendments to the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill for FY2024. An amendment by Rep. Michael Cloud, aims to defund any efforts by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to list the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard as endangered or threatened.

The FWS recently designated the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard as endangered on June 29, 2023, after recognizing the need for its protection dating back to 1982. However, critics argue that many of the recent listings by the FWS have targeted areas where major industries, such as oil and gas production, are responsible for producing natural resources. These critics suggest that the Biden administration is strategically using the Endangered Species Act to restrict industries it deems unfavorable.

The entry in American Stewards of Liberty highlights the importance of the Permian Basin in Texas, which plays a significant role in providing energy security for the United States. This region accounts for a large portion of oil and natural gas production, with the nearby Delaware Basin also holding substantial potential for additional resources.

Rep. Cloud's amendment aims to protect Texas jobs and industries in the Permian Basin. Its supporters hope that these defunding amendments will remain intact as the bill progresses to the House floor in the coming weeks.