Statements from Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller highlight a growing debate over the application of the Federal Endangered Species Act. Miller criticizes the use of the Act under the Biden Administration, citing concerns about its impact on rural economies and land management.
"The Endangered Species Act—once a vital tool for genuine conservation—was twisted into a weapon against rural America by the Biden Administration and their radical 30x30 land grab agenda. Time and again, I’ve fought back against their reckless misuse of this law—whether it was the listing of the Lesser Prairie Chicken, the proposed expansion of the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge, or the current proposed listing of the Monarch Butterfly," Miller stated. He pointed out the voluntary conservation efforts by Texas landowners, which he claims have been disregarded, leading to economic strain on rural regions.
Miller expressed optimism for changes under the Trump Administration. "Now, under the leadership of the Trump Administration, we have a genuine opportunity to set things right. I proudly stand with U.S. Representative August Pfluger in urging Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to promptly remove the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard and Lesser Prairie Chicken from the endangered species list. I also strongly advocate for the removal of the Eastern Monarch Butterfly from consideration under the Endangered Species Act," Miller said.
The commissioner emphasized the significance of returning land management to local stakeholders. "We must end the practice of sidelining productive land under the false banner of conservation and return it to the hardworking people who know how to care for it best," he noted. "Putting America First begins with unshackling rural America and trusting its greatest stewards—the farmers, ranchers, and producers who live and work closest to the land—to manage it with the wisdom and responsibility they have demonstrated for generations.”
Director, Communications Maddison Jaureguito issued this release on April 7, 2025.
