PASTURES Act Protecting Agricultural Spaces Through Effective Ranching Strategies Act
Impact
The implications of HB10042 extend to federal land management and agricultural practices. If enacted, this bill would redefine the responsibilities of federal agencies regarding livestock grazing on National Forest System lands and lands overseen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. By mandating that the federal government bear the costs of fencing to prevent unlawful grazing, the bill shifts part of the regulatory burden onto the government instead of local ranchers, potentially impacting budgeting and federal land management practices.
Summary
House Bill 10042, known as the 'Protecting Agricultural Spaces Through Effective Ranching Strategies Act' (or the 'PASTURES Act'), seeks to restrict the authority of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior in penalizing livestock owners for grazing on federal lands. Specifically, the bill emphasizes that no penalties can be imposed on livestock owners if grazing occurs on certain designated lands that do not have a fencing structure to prevent such activities. This measure aims to safeguard ranchers' grazing rights while balancing environmental considerations regarding land use.
Contention
Debate surrounding the bill may exist, particularly regarding environmental concerns and the interests of ranchers versus ecological protection. Proponents argue that the bill acknowledges and addresses the economic pressures faced by livestock owners and ensures their rights to graze their livestock on public rangelands. Conversely, critics may raise concerns related to the degradation of natural habitats resulting from unrestricted grazing or the financial implications of maintaining federal oversight of land fencing. Ultimately, the balance between agricultural interests and conservation efforts is likely to be a point of contention among stakeholders involved.
Protecting Agricultural Spaces Through Effective Ranching Strategies Act or the PASTURES ActThis bill prohibits the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior from imposing penalties on livestock owners for grazing on certain public lands. Under the bill, covered lands are National Forest System lands, lands administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or public lands (1) on which grazing is allowed by a permit or lease on or after the date of the bill's enactment and is then subsequently prohibited, and (2) that border private property.Specifically, the departments may not impose a penalty on an owner of livestock (including cattle, bison, horses, sheep, and goats) for grazing on covered lands that do not have a fence to prevent grazing.The bill specifies that USDA or Interior, depending on the covered land, is responsible for any expense related to the construction or maintenance of a fence for the prevention of grazing by livestock.
To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2029, and for other purposes.