PBPA & NMOGA | Official Comments on the proposed listing of the dunes sagebrush lizard under the ESA
October 2, 2023
Re: FWS–R2–ES–2022–0162
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard, 88 Fed. Reg. 42,661 (July 3, 2023)
Dear Director Williams,
The Permian Basin Petroleum Association (“PBPA”), the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association (“NMOGA”) and our collective member companies (referred to herein as the “Associations”) provide the following response to the July 3, 2023 proposed rule and request for comment from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS or Service) to list the dunes sagebrush lizard (DSL) as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). 88 Fed. Reg. 42,661 (July 3, 2023) (“Proposed Rule”).
The PBPA is the largest regional oil and gas association in the United States. Since 1961, the PBPA has been the voice of the Permian Basin oil and gas industry. The PBPA’s mission is to promote the safe and responsible development of our oil and gas resources while providing legislative, regulatory, and educational support services for the petroleum industry. The PBPA membership includes the smallest exploration and services companies as well as some of the largest companies with world-wide operations. The Permian Basin is the largest inland oil and gas reservoir and the most prolific oil and gas producing region in the world.
NMOGA is a coalition of oil and natural gas companies, individuals, and stakeholders dedicated to promoting the safe and environmentally responsible development of oil and natural gas resources in New Mexico. Representing over 1,000 members, NMOGA works with elected officials, community leaders, industry experts, and the general public to advocate for responsible oil and natural gas policies and...