U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ends protection for lesser prairie chicken

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said last week it ended protections for the lesser prairie chicken from the Endangered Species Act.  The Feb. 25 ruling eliminates the Biden-era requirements for the oil, gas and cattle industries to safeguard the birds’ habitat in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado and Kansas.

Albuquerque Journal said lesser prairie chickens once numbered in the millions, but habitat loss has reduced their population to about 30,000.  Environmental groups vowed to fight the decision in court.  Dawn Buckingham, Texas land commissioner, said last week’s ruling “will ensure American oil and gas production in the Permian Basin remains robust and our economy steadfast.”