By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist<\/p>\n
U.S. Sen Ted Cruz introduced legislation that would prevent future federal land expansion efforts in West Texas.<\/p>\n
The \u201cNo Federal Expansion Designation in West Texas Act,\u201d or \u201cNo FED in West Texas Act,\u201d would prohibit future administrations from implementing land protection plans similar to a previously withdrawn proposal tied to the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge.<\/p>\n
\u201cWest Texas is vital to economic growth and energy for Texans, and decisions about its land should belong to Texans, not Washington bureaucrats,\u201d Cruz said. \u201cThis bill will protect our communities from federal overreach, prevent land grabs that threaten jobs and limit energy and agricultural development.\u201d<\/p>\n
Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House by U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington and advanced through the House Natural Resources Committee.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Biden administration finalized a plan to buy up 30% of the land in the U.S. by 2030, a significant part of which was expanding a wildlife refuge in West Texas by an outrageous 10,000%,\u201d Arrington said. \u201cI applaud the Trump administration\u2019s decision to withdraw the Biden administration\u2019s unnecessary and overreaching expansion of federal lands. I\u2019m proud to have led the fight to defend our tax dollars, private property rights and way of life by advancing legislation to prohibit and defund this federal land grab.\u201d<\/p>\n
Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) supports the bill.<\/p>\n
\u201cTexas farmers and ranchers are the best stewards of their land, not the federal government,\u201d TFB President Russell Boening said. \u201cThe Fish and Wildlife Service\u2019s proposal to dramatically expand federal designations in West Texas originated during the previous administration and threatened to significantly expand the federal footprint on private land. While the Trump administration\u2019s Fish and Wildlife Service withdrew that plan, Sen. Ted Cruz\u2019s \u2018No Federal Expansion Designation in West Texas Act\u2019 helps ensure it cannot be revived.\u201d<\/p>\n
He noted the bill would provide long-term certainty for landowners and safeguard private property rights.<\/p>\n
\u201cTexas Farm Bureau urges Congress to pass this legislation and appreciates Sen. Cruz for leading this effort,\u201d Boening said.<\/p>\n