Abbott’s water buoys at risk of extinction if Biden labels mussels endangered.
AUSTIN, Texas — Federal Government Takes Action to Protect Rare Mussels in the Rio Grande
The federal government has made a sudden move this week to safeguard two rare mussel species in the Rio Grande, right where Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) has installed a 1,000-foot line of buoys to prevent immigrants from crossing.
The Interior Department’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced that it would list two species of freshwater mussels, including the Mexican fawnsfoot, as endangered.
Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against Abbott
On the same day, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Abbott, ordering the removal of the floating barrier in Eagle Pass. The lawsuit claims that the barrier poses threats to navigation, public safety, and humanitarian concerns. It focuses on a 1,000-foot portion of the border, which is approximately one-fifth of a mile on the 2,000-mile southern boundary.
The White House and the FWS have not responded to requests for comment regarding the timing of the proposal or whether it was a political attempt to interfere with Abbott’s buoys.
Endangerment Declaration and Critical Habitat
An endangerment declaration could compel Abbott to dismantle the 1,000-foot-long string of large red buoys and prevent the state from adding more buoys in the border river due to its designation as a “critical habitat.”
For over three decades, the federal government has been aware of the declining population of these mussels. FWS first brought attention to the mussels in 1991 and has been reviewing their status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
The most recent review, conducted in February of this year, determined that the Rio Grande is the only place in the world where these mussels exist. Mussels serve as “biological indicators of healthy streams and rivers that benefit people and wildlife,” according to FWS.
FWS predicts that the species will decline to a “very low” condition within the next 25 years and become extinct within 50 years.
Abbott’s Defiance and Legal Battle
Despite being sued, Abbott has refused to remove the floating barriers in the Rio Grande, openly defying the Biden administration’s order.
In a letter to President Biden, Abbott stated, “Texas will fully utilize its constitutional authority to deal with the crisis you have caused. Texas will see you in court, Mr. President.”
Abbott had announced the erection of a maritime wall on June 8, aiming to slow down and deter individuals attempting to cross the border.
Texas proceeded with the installation of the buoys in early July, despite facing legal challenges from a local kayak tour company and a complaint from Mexico regarding a violation of a water treaty.
While some locals expressed optimism about the maritime barrier, others worried that it may be too little, too late.
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