Butterfly Battle: Texas Officials Push Back Against Monarch Endangered Species Proposal

The Biden administration’s proposal to designate the Monarch butterfly as an endangered species is sparking intense debate in Texas, where the iconic insect’s biannual migrations are an integral part of the state’s natural heritage. The move, aimed at protecting the Monarch population from further decline, is drawing criticism from state officials who warn of the potential economic and logistical consequences of such a designation.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is among the most vocal opponents of the plan, describing it as "government overreach" that could impose significant restrictions on land use and development. Miller argues that protecting. . .