There really has to be a better way to frame issues regarding threatened and endangered species and the economy. Otherwise, the economy will win every time. A story on NewsWest9, a West Texas media outlet is likely to get every uneducated, unemployed Texan pissed-off and the oil and gas lobby actively working with private landowners against the lizard. The Dune Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus arenicolus) is being considered for the endangered species list. The phrynosomatid lizard inhabits Shinnery Oak Dunes in West Texas and New Mexico and some of this habitat coincides with oil and gas hotspots. Really guys, this is so 1970's. Biodiversity needs to be seen as the valuable resource it is, one as valuable as oil and gas. And really, oil and gas needs to be seen as the energy source of the 19th and 20th centuries not the present century. The article quotes Morris Burns - as saying, "We're going to cut out some wells that would be drilled," oil and gas consultant, Morris Burns, said. "We're going to reduce the number of wells drilled in this formation. This is gonna cut out jobs." Morris, get with the program - you need some lessons in the importance biodiversity and a new job - consider being a consultant for wind and solar power, west Texas has plenty of both! Stop trying to scare people. You are doing society and the environment a great disservice. Be sure to watch the video that accompanies this article - talk about alarmist!Labels: conservation, environmental conflict, Sceloporus arenicolus
