No Federal Expansion Designation in West Texas Act (H.R. 839)

Summary

The purpose of H.R. 839, the "No Federal Expansion Designation in West Texas Act" or "No FED in West Texas Act", is to prohibit the implementation of a Land Protection Plan for the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge in West Texas.

Key Provisions:
- Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from finalizing, implementing, administering, or enforcing the Land Protection Plan published by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in February 2023 for the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge.

Background and Impact:
- The Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge currently comprises 6,440 acres in west Texas and eastern New Mexico. The proposed Land Protection Plan would allow the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to acquire up to 700,000 additional acres, expanding the refuge over 100 times its current size.
- Several counties in the proposed expansion area have passed resolutions opposing the plan, citing concerns over the loss of local tax revenue and unclear management plans for the expanded refuge.
- The bill was introduced in response to the Biden administration's "30 by 30" initiative to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030, which included the proposed expansion of Muleshoe and other national wildlife refuges.

Legislative Status:
- H.R. 839 was introduced in the House on January 31, 2025 and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
- The bill was reported (amended) by the committee on January 8, 2026 and placed on the Union Calendar.