HOUSTON–(ENEWSPF)–August 19, 2013 – Adding to a string of recent state and federal governmental transparency issues, the Texas Comptroller’s Office finds itself at the center of a scandal involving a highly criticized state plan that ostensibly is designed to conserve the imperiled dunes sagebrush lizard. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service relied heavily on this plan in its decision to not list the lizard under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). A report published by Defenders of Wildlife following an investigation into oil and gas development on lizard habitat reveals a case of negligent monitoring, self-reporting, conflicts of interest and secrecy surrounding mitigation money.
