Texas Court Vacates Lesser Prairie-Chicken Listing

kmarksteiner0
Oct 1
2 min read

CEHMM’s CCA/A Programs Open for Voluntary Conservation Enrollment

Emily K. Wirth, Executive Director

In August, a district court in Texas vacated the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) rule listing the Lesser Prairie-Chicken (LPC) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), effectively removing federal protections for the LPC.

In response to this development, the Center for Environmental Health, Monitoring, and Management is now able to open its Candidate Conservation Agreements and Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances programs for LPC coverage. These voluntary agreements are designed to provide ranchers, oil & gas operators, midstream and utility companies, and other stakeholders with the tools and legal assurances to continue conservation efforts for the LPC amid shifting federal policy.

Even in the absence of ESA protections, the LPC remains a species of conservation concern. The vacatur of the listing does not change the reality that prairie habitat is under pressure, nor does it eliminate the potential for future regulatory action. CEHMM’s CCA/A programs offer participants a proactive, science-driven approach to conservation that also protects their operational flexibility and long-term interests.

Key features of CEHMM’s LPC CCA/A Programs:

• Regulatory certainty through assurances against additional ESA listing impacts

• Tailored conservation strategies for ranchers and the oil and gas industry

• Support for compliance and habitat management with CEHMM’s technical team

• Voluntary, non-regulatory framework adaptable to current land use practices

The CCA/A programs serve as a valuable option for those seeking stability amid legal and regulatory uncertainty. Enrollees can continue their operations while contributing to meaningful habitat conservation, with the added assurance that they are protected if ESA protections are reinstated.

CEHMM encourages interested stakeholders to consider early enrollment, particularly given the unpredictable nature of ongoing legal proceedings and potential appeals. By taking action now, participants can secure long-term benefits regardless of future court or agency decisions.

For more information or to initiate enrollment, visit www.cehmm.org or contact CEHMM at 575-885-3700.