"Border Plant Joins ESA List Despite Texas AG’s Objections"

"The Fish and Wildlife Service on Monday dismissed border-control concerns raised by the Texas attorney general and announced federal protections for the prostrate milkweed, along with a designated critical habitat of 661 acres for the plant.

The long-awaited listing of the milkweed under the Endangered Species Act comes about 16 years after environmentalists filed an initial petition. It also comes over the objections of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, among others, who cited “national security” reasons for opposing plant protections.

But in listing the plant as endangered, FWS noted that it’s the very activities intended to secure the U.S.-Mexico border that could put the prostrate milkweed most at risk."

Michael Doyle reports for E&E News February 27, 2023.