Trump Administration Cancels Land Protection Plan for Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge

Strategic Insights -

The Trump Administration's decision to cancel the Land Protection Plan for the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge marks a significant victory for Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19) and his constituents in West Texas, who had been fighting against the plan's expansion of the refuge by over 10,000%. The plan, finalized by the Biden Administration, aimed to acquire up to 700,000 acres in Texas and New Mexico to expand the conservation footprint of the refuge, but was met with opposition from Rep. Arrington and other lawmakers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Trump Administration's decision to cancel the Land Protection Plan for the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge ends the Biden Administration's plan to expand the refuge by over 10,000%.
  • The plan would have allowed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to purchase private lands or acquire conservation easements on up to 700,000 acres in Texas and New Mexico.
  • Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19) led the fight against the plan, introducing the No Federal Expansion Designation (No FED) in West Texas Act, which was passed by the House Natural Resource Committee on July 23, 2025.
  • Chairman Arrington was joined by Reps. Ronny Jackson and Wesley Hunt in sending a letter to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies to protect the interests of West Texas communities.
  • The Muleshoe land grab was a stealth attempt to create the first federal government stronghold in Texas, according to Margaret Byfield, Executive Director of American Stewards of Liberty.
  • Chairman Arrington has led the fight against the proposed expansion of the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge since the beginning, introducing legislation and sending letters to the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect private property rights.

Statistics:

  • 10,000%: The proposed expansion of the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge by the Biden Administration.
  • 700,000: The number of acres in Texas and New Mexico that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service aimed to acquire under the Land Protection Plan.
  • 2024: The year the Biden Administration finalized the Land Protection Plan for the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge.
  • July 23, 2025: The date the House Natural Resource Committee passed the No Federal Expansion Designation (No FED) in West Texas Act.
  • January 31, 2025: The date Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19) introduced the No Federal Expansion Designation (No FED) in West Texas Act.
  • May 16, 2025: The date Rep. Arrington, along with Reps. Ronny Jackson and Wesley Hunt, sent a letter to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.

Sources:

  • Office of Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19)
  • House Natural Resource Committee
  • American Stewards of Liberty
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Dallas Morning News
  • Lubbock's KAMC
  • Video Resources: "The 30x30 Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Must be Stopped" by American Stewards of Liberty