On July 3, 2023, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register listing the dunes sagebrush lizard as an endangered species. The species is found in southeastern New Mexico and west Texas.
The proposal is a result of a litigation settlement made with the Center for Biological Diversity.
FWS did not set aside critical habitat for the lizard at this time, finding “the designation of critical habitat to be prudent but not determinable at this time.” Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), FWS is allowed an additional year to determine critical habitat designations.
Comments on the proposed rule are due September 1, 2023.
- Read the proposed rule and submit comments.
- Advocacy contact: Send an email to Nick Goldstein at nick.goldstein@sba.gov.