Lubbock Times

Washington, D.C. – Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn the Biden administration’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) rule, which would add six additional species of freshwater mussels – the Guadalupe fatmucket, Texas fatmucket, Guadalupe orb, Texas pimpleback, Balcones spike, and false spike – found in Texas to the Endangered Species List and the Texas fawnsfoots to the list as threatened.

“There is no energy independence or food security without the hard-working, freedom-loving people of Rural America,” said Congressman Arrington. “In fact, no one conserves natural resources better than those who make a living off them, which makes our ag and energy producers responsible stewards of our environment. Yet, instead of basing these latest designations on sound science, this Biden administration policy is a politically motivated attempt to regulate ag and energy producers out of business. I’ll never stop fighting against President Biden’s attempt to placate the far-Left and villainize the hardworking men and women of Rural America who feed and fuel our nation.”

“Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) applauds Congressman Jodey Arrington for introducing a Congressional Review Act (CRA) measure to reject the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service’s recent decision to list six species of central Texas freshwater mussels as endangered and the Texas fawnsfoot as threatened, as well as the designation of 1,577.5 miles of rivers and streams as critical habitat for these species,” said TFB President Russell Boening. “Texas farm and ranch families have a great appreciation for protecting wildlife, as they have actively participated in conservation efforts over the years. However, it is critical to ensure these listings are based in sound science and do not negatively impact farmers, ranchers and landowners. We look forward to working with Congressman Arrington and other leaders in Washington to pass this legislation.”

“Energy Workforce is concerned that USFWS's listing of the freshwater muscle is yet another backdoor effort to increase federal regulation of Texas land used for oil and gas production. Energy Workforce members are committed to responsible energy production and environmental stewardship. We appreciate Representative Arrington's Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn this politically motivated decision, which is vital for protecting American jobs, energy security, and economic stability,” said Tim Tarpley, President, Energy Workforce & Technology Council.

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