H.R. 2573: Limiting Incredulous Zealots Against Restricting Drilling Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Limiting Incredulous Zealots Against Restricting Drilling Act of 2025, aims to remove the dunes sagebrush lizard from the lists of threatened and endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Specifically, it does the following:

Key Provisions

• Delisting of the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard:

  The bill specifically states that the dunes sagebrush lizard (scientific name: Sceloporus arenicolus) will no longer be classified as a threatened or endangered species. This means that the protections and regulations that currently apply to it under the Endangered Species Act will be lifted.

• Amendment to the Endangered Species Act:

  The bill proposes an amendment to section 4(a) of the Endangered Species Act. It clarifies that the Secretary of the Interior cannot list the dunes sagebrush lizard as a threatened or endangered species moving forward.

Implications

The removal of the dunes sagebrush lizard from the endangered species lists can potentially open up more land for development and drilling activities, particularly in areas where the lizard's habitat is currently protected. This could lead to increased economic activities in the regions where these developments occur, but it also raises questions regarding environmental impacts and the future conservation status of the species.

Relevant Companies

• XOM (Exxon Mobil Corporation): As a major oil and gas company, changes in regulations regarding land use and drilling could affect Exxon’s operational capabilities in areas where the dunes sagebrush lizard resides.
• COP (ConocoPhillips): This company might benefit from increased access to lands previously regulated for the protection of the dunes sagebrush lizard, allowing for expanded drilling activities.
• SLB (Schlumberger Limited): As a provider of technology and services to the oil and gas industry, any increase in drilling might lead to more business opportunities for Schlumberger in areas where lizard protections are lifted.