Grazing for Wildfire Risk Reduction Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1110
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-08: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-433, Part I.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T05:06:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Grazing for Wildfire Risk Reduction Act aims to direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to create and carry out a plan that expands the use of livestock grazing on federal lands as a tool to lower the risk of wildfires. This approach uses animals like cattle or sheep to eat vegetation that could fuel fires, helping to prevent or mitigate wildfire spread.
Key Provisions
- The Secretary of Agriculture, through the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, must work with current livestock grazing permit holders on federal lands to develop and implement the strategy.
- The strategy must include:
- Completing environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA, a law requiring assessment of a project's environmental effects before approval) to permit grazing on unused (vacant) grazing areas during droughts, wildfires, or other natural disasters that disrupt existing grazing spots.
- Promoting "targeted grazing," where animals are directed to specific areas to remove flammable plants.
- Expanding temporary grazing permits to focus on reducing fire fuels (like dry grass or brush) and controlling invasive annual grasses that increase fire risk.
- Encouraging grazing as a method for recovering and restoring lands after fires, when suitable.
- Utilizing all existing legal powers available to the agency to support these efforts.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new mandate for the USDA and Forest Service to proactively develop a comprehensive strategy focused on grazing for wildfire prevention, which was not previously required. It builds on existing grazing permits and NEPA processes but requires faster reviews and broader application of temporary permits during emergencies, potentially streamlining approvals without altering core environmental laws.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The U.S. Forest Service will face increased administrative duties to coordinate strategies, conduct NEPA reviews, and issue more permits, which could strain resources but enhance wildfire management on public lands.
- Citizens: Ranchers and farmers with grazing permits may gain more flexible access to federal lands, supporting their livelihoods while contributing to safer communities in wildfire-prone areas through reduced fire risks. Broader public benefits include lower wildfire threats to homes, infrastructure, and ecosystems on federal lands.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic federal land management.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Livestock Grazing Permit Holders: Ranchers and farmers who use federal lands for grazing, as they will collaborate on the strategy and benefit from expanded opportunities.
- U.S. Forest Service and USDA: Primary agencies responsible for implementation, including strategy development and environmental reviews.
- Local Communities and Environmental Groups: Residents near federal lands may see improved fire safety; conservationists could be involved or affected by changes in land use practices.
- Wildfire Management Entities: State and local fire agencies might indirectly benefit from reduced fuel loads on public lands.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill emphasizes compliance with NEPA, ensuring environmental protections remain in place while accelerating reviews for emergency grazing. It leverages "all applicable authorities," avoiding new regulatory burdens but potentially leading to legal challenges if environmental impacts are perceived as overlooked.
- Constitutional: No direct implications, as it operates within Congress's authority over federal lands and public welfare.
- Political: This legislation supports rural agricultural interests in Western states prone to wildfires, potentially bridging environmental and farming priorities. It reflects a push for practical, nature-based solutions to climate-related risks like intensified fires, without major partisan divides evident in the bipartisan sponsorship.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (10)
Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2], Rep. Newhouse, Dan [R-WA-4], Rep. Hageman, Harriet M. [R-WY-At Large], Rep. Maloy, Celeste [R-UT-2], Rep. Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4], Rep. Bentz, Cliff [R-OR-2], Rep. Downing, Troy [R-MT-2], Rep. Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-9], Rep. Issa, Darrell [R-CA-48], Rep. Perez, Marie Gluesenkamp [D-WA-3]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-08: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-433, Part I.
- 2026-01-08: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-433, Part I.
- 2025-03-07: Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
- 2025-03-07: Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
- 2025-02-12: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-02-12: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-02-07: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-02-07: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-02-07: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-07: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Grazing for Wildfire Risk Reduction Act — issued 2025-02-07 — PDF (2 pages)