Judge Strikes Down Prairie Chicken Protections | Tulsa News

Tulsa News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 18, 2026 · 1m

A Texas federal judge has struck down endangered species protections for the lesser prairie chicken, clearing the way for ranching, oil drilling, and road construction in its habitat. Oklahoma’s Attorney General Gentner Drummond hailed it as a major victory for local farmers, ranchers, and the energy industry, arguing the previous protections were overly broad and economically damaging. The ruling follows years of legal battles over federal overreach, with state officials claiming the federal government misapplied conservation rules. With federal safeguards now lifted, the focus turns to how…