A recent decision by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas has vacated the 2022 listing of the Lesser Prairie Chicken under the Endangered Species Act. Congressman August Pfluger, who represents Texas’ 11th district in Congress since 2021 after succeeding Mike Conaway, responded to this ruling.
“The Biden Administration’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service weaponized the Endangered Species Act to target American energy production in the Permian Basin, using species like the Lesser Prairie Chicken as one of their tools. These listings were completely misguided, ignoring the vigilant conservation efforts already underway in West Texas. This week, a district court confirmed what we’ve been saying all along and rightfully struck down the listing, ruling that a ‘foundational error’ was made. I applaud the court’s decision as a major step forward in ending the years-long attack on farmers, ranchers, and energy producers across Texas. We can—and must—protect important species without sacrificing the livelihoods of our local and rural communities that power our nation,” Pfluger stated.
In New Mexico, over 1.9 million acres have been enrolled in conservation agreements by ranchers and more than 2.2 million acres by oil and gas companies to support habitats for both the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard and Lesser Prairie Chicken. These efforts have led to an increase in conserved land and funding for reclamation programs while allowing ongoing resource development.
Earlier this year, Pfluger and Representative Tracey Mann from Kansas sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum urging him to reverse endangered species listings for both animals—a move they argue would promote American energy production and highlight effective local conservation work.
Under President Biden’s administration, federal authorities listed the Lesser Prairie Chicken as endangered despite ongoing state-led initiatives that reportedly increased populations of both targeted species.
Pfluger was elected to Congress after defeating Jon Mark Hogg in 2020 with nearly 80% of votes (232 votes to Hogg’s 53), reflecting strong support within his district.
