The slithery species of Sagebrush lizards that roam the lands of West Texas may control the fate of our state's domestic oil and gas production. As the production of oil and gas in West Texas grows rapidly, the land in which it inhabits must increase in size as well. This is where lizards come into play. The Sagebrush lizards that occupy West Texas live in small shrubs called shinnery oak, and according to the federal government this species may be considered endangered. If the vote is unanimous, and the lizard becomes listed as an endangered species, West Texas can kiss its oil behind.
One thing the federal government may not have taken into account, is the serious consequences they will face if the production of oil is shut down. For one, our nation is heavily dependent on this source of energy. By shutting down one of its leading producers, we are putting ourselves into a dangerous position.
Another negative aspect of stopping the oil production is the loss of billions in royalties. Private oil companies in Texas have paid billions to public schools and universities in order to be able to explore the land in West Texas for oil. When oil is found, large sums of money are paid from income royalty to public school funds.
No one wants to kill a harmless species of lizard, but the serious effects of shutting down this region are too drastic for our economy to face. If it wasn't for the lack of conclusive evidence that this species is actually endangered, the issue would be more problematic. Since, the Fish and Wildlife Service has not managed to prove this, it is ridiculous to even consider. Texas may be fond of its Sagebrush lizards, but the nation cannot handle a setback as large as shutting down its leading source of energy.
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