Paxton lawsuit prompts end of federal endangered species protection for Texas lizard

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ended federal endangered species protections for the dunes sagebrush lizard after a settlement reached in a lawsuit involving Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. The protections, introduced in 2024, are being vacated under the agreement, which requires the Fish and Wildlife Service to reassess the lizard’s status. Paxton hailed the outcome, arguing the original listing relied on insufficient data. The agency said it remains committed to working with partners to preserve the lizard’s habitat.