GOP lawmakers push to eliminate tool used by Biden admin to limit energy production
Republican lawmakers are taking a stand against the Biden administration’s restrictions on oil production with the introduction of the “LIZARDS Act of 2025.” This legislation aims to remove the dunes sagebrush lizard from the endangered species list, which proponents argue has been used as a tool to limit energy production in key regions such as Texas’ Permian Basin.
Led by Rep. August Pfluger of Texas and Rep. Tracey Mann of Kansas, the lawmakers are pushing back on what they see as harmful policies targeting the oil and gas industry. Pfluger stated, “Former President Biden spent four years fulfilling his promise to kill the fossil fuel industry one horrible policy at a time – including listing the dunes sagebrush lizard under the Endangered Species Act, a direct attack on our hard-working men and women in the energy sector.”
The duo is also sending a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, urging the removal of both the dunes sagebrush lizard and the lesser prairie chicken from the endangered species list. They argue that these listings have hindered private conservation efforts in West Texas and have created regulatory uncertainty for local communities and industries.
The dunes sagebrush lizard was added to the list in May 2024, while the lesser prairie chicken was listed in 2022. Rep. Pfluger emphasized that President Biden has used every tool at his disposal to undermine the energy and agricultural sectors since taking office. He believes that these listings have been misguided and have ignored the success of local conservation efforts.
In addition to the “LIZARDS Act of 2025,” the Trump administration has made significant energy policy changes, including rolling back regulations in Alaska, declaring a national energy emergency, and repealing a tax on natural gas production through the Congressional Review Act.
Rep. Pfluger and Rep. Mann are hopeful that their legislative efforts will restore power to local communities impacted by federal decisions, remove regulatory barriers imposed by the Biden administration, and unleash American energy dominance. They are committed to working with President Trump and Secretary Burgum to reverse what they believe are ill-informed listings and support the energy industry that millions of Americans rely on.
Cameron Arcand, a politics writer at Fox News Digital, covers this story from Washington D.C. For more information or story tips, contact Cameron.Arcand@Fox.com or follow him on Twitter at @cameron_arcand.
