H.R.2573 - Limiting Incredulous Zealots Against Restricting Drilling Act of 2025; LIZARD Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2573, also known as the LIZARD 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. The bill specifically targets the delisting of this particular lizard species. It also seeks to amend the Endangered Species Act to prevent future listing of the dunes sagebrush lizard.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the dunes sagebrush lizard would no longer be protected under the Endangered Species Act. This could lead to increased drilling and development in the lizard's habitat. The amendment to the Endangered Species Act would prevent the Secretary from relisting the species in the future.
Potential Benefits
- Could potentially free up land for energy development, increasing domestic energy production.
- May reduce regulatory burdens on businesses operating in the lizard's habitat.
- Could lead to short-term economic gains in specific regions due to increased drilling activity.
- May be seen as a victory for private property rights advocates.
- Could streamline environmental regulations, reducing bureaucratic delays.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could lead to the extinction of the dunes sagebrush lizard.
- May negatively impact the overall biodiversity and ecological health of the region.
- Could set a precedent for delisting other endangered species for economic gain.
- May face legal challenges from environmental groups.
- Could harm the long-term ecological sustainability of the affected areas.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. Congress has the power to enact laws related to interstate commerce and property rights, which could be argued as justification for this bill (Article I, Section 8). However, the bill's potential impact on endangered species and environmental protection could raise questions about the government's responsibility to protect natural resources for future generations, although this is not explicitly addressed in the Constitution. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific individual rights outlined in the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).