Sand mining operations in oil-rich West Texas have disturbed at least 292 acres of a threatened lizard’s habitat this year — and could impact up to 23,000 acres, according to an advocacy group’s analysis published Monday. The dunes sagebrush lizard, a vulnerable species that calls the Permian Basin home, has long faced threats to its habitat from oil and drilling operations. Companies that mine fine-grain sand for hydraulic fracturing pose an additional threat, especially because several operations have been planned along a stretch of West Texas land considered a prime habitat for the lizard. The Texas Tribune reports the Texas Comptroller’s office is taking the issue seriously, and the Texas Oil and Gas Association are urging the miners to minimize or avoid impacting the lizard’s habitat. Read more…