By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

U.S. Sen Ted Cruz introduced legislation that would prevent future federal land expansion efforts in West Texas.

The “No Federal Expansion Designation in West Texas Act,” or “No FED in West Texas Act,” would prohibit future administrations from implementing land protection plans similar to a previously withdrawn proposal tied to the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge.

“West Texas is vital to economic growth and energy for Texans, and decisions about its land should belong to Texans, not Washington bureaucrats,” Cruz said. “This bill will protect our communities from federal overreach, prevent land grabs that threaten jobs and limit energy and agricultural development.”

Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House by U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington and advanced through the House Natural Resources Committee.

“The 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%,” Arrington said. “I applaud the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw the Biden administration’s unnecessary and overreaching expansion of federal lands. I’m 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.”

Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) supports the bill.

“Texas farmers and ranchers are the best stewards of their land, not the federal government,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “The Fish and Wildlife Service’s 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’s Fish and Wildlife Service withdrew that plan, Sen. Ted Cruz’s ‘No Federal Expansion Designation in West Texas Act’ helps ensure it cannot be revived.”

He noted the bill would provide long-term certainty for landowners and safeguard private property rights.

“Texas Farm Bureau urges Congress to pass this legislation and appreciates Sen. Cruz for leading this effort,” Boening said.

Read the bill text here.