Today, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) made the announcement that it will not list the Sand Dune Lizard under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, spoke today with Fish and Wildlife Director Dan Ashe who informed him that the listing of the Sand Dune Lizard ultimately was not necessary due to the tremendous voluntary efforts by local, state and private landowners to preserve the species. Senator Inhofe applauded the decision and said that it bodes well for the Lesser Prairie-Chicken decision, as Oklahoma's voluntary efforts are producing the same successful results.
