Fox News - The push for federal protection of the dunes sagebrush lizard -- a tiny 3-inch reptile -- is causing big headaches for oil drillers and ranchers who say doing so will kill their livelihood. Oil company owners say they support conservation, but fear what will happen to the economy if the brakes are put on local oil production. Environmental groups say that oil production has destroyed much of its shinnery oak, which has led to a dramatic decline in the lizard’s population. Lininger said the lizards are at great risk. “The science is clear that the species require protection now.”
Umm, no buddy, the science is not clear that they demand protection now. Look I like reptiles as much as the next guy, love going to the pet store to check them out in their terrariums. But here’s the thing, they’re fucking lizards. You know what I like more than lizards? Not paying $4.00 a gallon to fill up my SUV. Guys, simple solution, round up all the lizards you can find, put them into the pet stores, everyone wins.
We’re talking about not only gas/oil here, but real jobs. It’s not the least bit strange that we wouldn't maybe favor human preservation and lively hoods over that of a few cold blooded newts and gecko’s? It’s not like we’re talking about Dogs, or polar bears or anything of social and cultural worth here. It’s a lizard. There are lots of them. Get over it. Drill baby, Drill.
