Sponsor
Rafael Edward Cruz
Senator · R-TX
Senator · R-TX
The bill protects local landowners' access and existing uses near Muleshoe Refuge but does so by restricting federal refuge management, which risks weaker habitat protections and greater uncertainty for conservation projects.
Rural landowners, ranchers, and nearby communities keep existing land-use rights and are protected from new refuge-related restrictions under the finalized refuge plan.
Local governments and rural communities avoid new federal management actions that could change access or permitted uses of private or leased lands adjacent to the refuge.
The Fish and Wildlife Service's ability to manage the refuge is curtailed, which may delay or block conservation projects, planning, and funding tied to the refuge plan.
Wildlife and migratory bird habitat protections at Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge cannot adopt the 2023 land-protection measures, potentially reducing conservation outcomes.
Conservation partners and grant recipients face increased costs or uncertainty because projects planned around the finalized refuge plan may be delayed, altered, or lose support.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Bars the Interior Department from finalizing, implementing, administering, or enforcing the February 2023 FWS land protection plan (or substantially similar plans) for Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge.
Official title: Prohibit the implementation of a Land Protection Plan for Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge.
Introduced April 28, 2026 by Rafael Edward Cruz · Last progress April 28, 2026
Prohibits the Department of the Interior from finalizing, implementing, administering, or enforcing the Fish and Wildlife Service "Final Land Protection Plan & Environmental Assessment Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge" (Feb. 2023) or any substantially similar land protection plan for Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge. It also provides a short title for the Act.