To provide that the final rule of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service titled "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status With Critical Habitat for Guadalupe Fatmucket, Texas Fatmucket, Guadalupe Orb, Texas Pimpleback, Balcones Spike, and False Spike, and Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule and Critical Habitat for Texas Fawnsfoot" shall have no force or effect.

# Bill Summary: HR 840 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would cancel a recent Fish and Wildlife Service rule that protects six species of freshwater mussels found in Texas by listing them as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. If passed, the protections for these mussels—including restrictions on activities in their habitats—would be eliminated and the rule would have no legal effect. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects property owners, developers, and businesses in Texas (particularly in the Hill Country and Balcones regions) who operate in or near areas where these mussels live. It could also impact conservation groups and environmental advocates.

The species themselves—various types of small freshwater mussels—would lose federal protections if the bill becomes law. **Current Status** HR 840 was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Jodey Arrington (R-TX) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House. The bill has not advanced to a vote at this time.