A Line in the Sand (NM ESA Lizard Listing)

The Albuquerque Journal ^ | April 29, 2011 | Rene Romo

[CedarDave]

ROSWELL — About 400 opponents of the federal government's proposed listing of the dunes sagebrush lizard as an endangered species delivered a full-throated protest at a rally here in the hour before a Fish and Wildlife Service public hearing on the plan.

"Enough is enough," shouted New Mexico Rep. Steve Pearce, a headliner at the rally organized by oil industry employees, concerned citizens and officials of area chambers of commerce.

Several speakers, including Pearce, asserted that the years long effort by conservationists to have the dunes sagebrush lizard, also known as the sand dune lizard, listed as an endangered species was not aimed at protecting an embattled species, but at destroying a way of life.

"The agenda here is not actually the lizard," said state Rep. Bob Wooley of Carlsbad. "It's to get us off the land and take our jobs away."

Marita Noon, executive director of the Citizens Alliance for Responsible Energy, an industry advocacy group, said those seeking the listing of the lizard were "trying to destroy America. ... That is their goal."

... Pearce and Noon said the impact of the listing of the spotted owl in New Mexico, Washington and Oregon provided ample evidence that listing the lizard would also result in job losses.

Steve Henke, president of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, said it was "time we stood up and said no; we've had enough of the environmental extremists." Henke said environmental organizations "don't want to work with us cooperatively. They want us off the land."

[CedarDave]

...it was "time we stood up and said no; we've had enough of the environmental extremists." Henke said environmental organizations "don't want to work with us cooperatively. They want us off the land."

So, so true especially here in NM under the former Richardson administration. Richardson talked like Obama does know saying he supported economic growth and good paying jobs but then siding with enviro-nazi groups when is came to locking up lands for exploration drilling.

[deadrock]

The lizard has a ton of action on it's side. EPA, the Rats and the judicial system. Zero chance for any company against those odds.

A bloody revolution is the only remedy. That is years and years away.

[CedarDave]

This issue is equally important across the state line in Texas. Well worth spending ten minutes to watch:
Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson speaks out regarding the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard controversy

Ten minute speech full of info, impacts of the lizard listing on Texas State Lands income (loss of 1/4 billion dollars in lease income) and down-home Texas humor.

NM list PING! Click on the flag to go to the Free Republic New Mexico message page.

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[Paul Ross]

The Congress can overturn any administrative regulatory ruling. Get serious about getting Congress to develop a Constitutional spine.

[luvie]

Thanks for reminding me that the fortunes...or misfortunes... Of Texas and NM are very closely tied, especially where oil and gas production are concerned!

I’m sure that lizard doesn’t recognize the boundaries anyhow! :)

[CedarDave]

I’m sure that lizard doesn’t recognize the boundaries anyhow!

A lizard whose habitat includes substantial areas of two states, has survived 50 years of O&G drilling, 150 years ranching and an unknown number of years of shimmery oak clearing is pretty hardy. Conservation agreements with landowners, the oil companies and BLM/F&WS should be sufficient to ensure its survival without completely disrupting commercial activities.