The court blocked the companies from closing the acquisition through mid-August, as a judge considers two lawsuits challenging it.

The dunes sagebrush lizard, found only in the oil-rich Permian Basin, was classified as endangered two years ago.

This month, a North Dakota court barred Greenpeace from saying what it wanted in a European court, an unusual move. The environmental group says it is forging ahead.

This month, a North Dakota court barred Greenpeace from saying what it wanted in a European court, an unusual move. The environmental group says it is forging ahead.

© Robin Utrecht/ANP, via Alamy