Lubbock Times

Today, the House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) addressed the House Natural Resources Committee, voicing his opposition to a proposed expansion of the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge. This proposal, initiated during the Biden administration, suggests increasing the refuge from 6,400 acres to 700,000 acres. Arrington introduced legislation, H.R.839, aimed at halting this expansion, remarking that "the federal government needs more public land like I need another hole in my head."

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized a Land Protection Plan in 2024, permitting the purchase of private lands or acquisition of conservation easements from willing sellers across up to 700,000 acres in Texas and New Mexico. This move is intended to broaden the conservation scope of the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge.

Chairman Arrington has been vocal in his criticism. On July 1, 2024, he sent a letter to the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeking an explanation of efforts to expand the refuge through private land acquisition. Addressing his concerns in an interview with Lubbock’s KAMC on July 16, 2024, Arrington stated, “I have tremendous cause for concern.” Further expressing his views, he published an op-ed in the Dallas Morning News on September 17, 2024, titled “Congressman Arrington: Why I Oppose the Muleshoe Wildlife Refuge Expansion.”