"The lawsuit claims the endangered designation for six mussel species is a misuse of environmental law that threatens Texas’ economy."
"Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Tuesday that his office is suing the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Biden administration officials for declaring six freshwater mussel species endangered and another threatened earlier this year.
In June, federal regulators added the Guadalupe fatmucket, Texas fatmucket, Guadalupe orb, Texas pimpleback, Balcones spike, and false spike to the endangered listing, meaning the species is in danger of extinction. The Texas fawnsfoot also received a threatened listing, which means it is likely to become endangered in the future.
In a press release, Paxton said the Biden administration is “once again, weaponizing environmental law to target the State of Texas … We are suing to block their latest attempt to undermine the Texas economy and unlawfully interfere with State-led efforts to protect our wildlife and natural resources.”
Freshwater mussels, often referred to by experts as “the liver of the river,” filter harmful substances like algae and other bacteria from bodies of water, which helps clean water systems."
Alejandra Martinez reports for the Texas Tribune October 29, 2024.
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