Resiliency for Ranching and Natural Conservation Health Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 23, 2025
Bottom line
The bill provides federal land managers with new authority to offer temporary grazing access on vacant allotments to ranchers impacted by natural disasters, aiming to support agricultural continuity.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to allow federal land management agencies to temporarily make vacant grazing allotments available to existing grazing permit or lease holders whose original allotments become unusable due to natural disasters or extreme natural events. It outlines conditions for such temporary use, including considerations for ecological conditions and the protection of original permit terms, and mandates interagency coordination and the establishment of guidelines.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill provides essential flexibility and a critical safety net for ranchers who face unforeseen natural disasters like droughts, wildfires, or blights, which can render their traditional grazing lands unusable. They contend it helps maintain the economic viability of ranching operations and supports rural communities by allowing for continuity of operations during emergencies.
Opponents contend
Critics might express concerns that expanding temporary grazing access, even during emergencies, could lead to increased pressure on federal lands, potentially impacting ecological health, wildlife habitats, or other land uses if not rigorously managed. They may also worry about the administrative burden on agencies to quickly assess and manage these temporary allotments while ensuring environmental protections.
The bill is concise and can be read thoroughly within the time typically allocated for legislative review.
Section 2, adding Section 405(b)(1) to FLPMA
Authorization for Temporary Grazing During Disasters
This provision authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (for National Forest System land) and the Secretary of the Interior (for public lands) to allow existing grazing permit or lease holders to temporarily use vacant grazing allotments. This is permitted if the holder's original allotment is unusable due to natural events or disasters (e.g., extreme weather, drought, wildfire) and the vacant allotment is deemed appropriate for temporary grazing.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is crucial for the resilience of ranching operations, allowing them to adapt to increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters without facing catastrophic losses. It provides a practical solution to maintain livestock health and economic stability.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that while well-intentioned, this provision could lead to insufficient environmental review of vacant allotments before temporary use, potentially harming sensitive ecosystems or wildlife that rely on these lands, especially under emergency conditions.
Tradeoffs
The provision navigates the tension between providing urgent economic relief to ranchers and ensuring the long-term ecological health and sustainable management of federal lands, particularly those not regularly grazed.
Section 2, adding Section 405(b)(2) to FLPMA
Establishing Terms and Conditions for Temporary Use
This section mandates how the terms and conditions for temporary grazing permits on vacant allotments are to be established. It requires consideration of previous permits for the vacant allotment, local ecological conditions, prior agency agreements, and allows for temporary rangeland improvements like portable corrals or water troughs to accommodate the temporary use.
Section 2, adding Section 405(b)(3) and (4) to FLPMA
Interagency Coordination and Protection of Original Permit Rights
This part of the bill requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to coordinate to make vacant grazing allotments available, regardless of which agency has jurisdiction. Crucially, it clarifies that temporary use of a vacant allotment does not alter the terms of the original grazing permit, the holder's ability to return to their original allotment, or the animal unit months (AUMs) in future authorizations.