Resiliency for Ranching and Natural Conservation Health Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4513
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-17: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, 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.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-05T21:59:06Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 4513: Resiliency for Ranching and Natural Conservation Health Act
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to allow temporary grazing on vacant allotments for holders of existing permits or leases when their regular areas become unusable due to natural events or disasters. The goal is to support ranching operations and land management flexibility during emergencies.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Temporary Allotment Use: The Secretaries of Agriculture (for National Forest System land) and the Interior (for public lands) may authorize temporary use of vacant grazing allotments if original allotments are affected by events like extreme weather, drought, wildfire, infestation, or blight, and the vacant area is deemed suitable.
- Terms and Conditions: These must consider the most recent prior permit for the vacant allotment, local ecological conditions, prior agreements on conflicts (including wildlife management), and may allow temporary improvements like portable fencing or water troughs.
- Agency Coordination: The two agencies must work together to make allotments available across jurisdictions where possible.
- Duration and Limits: The Secretary determines the length based on allotment condition and recovery time for the original site; the temporary use does not alter original permit terms, preferences, or future animal unit months.
- Guidelines and Evaluations: Agencies must create implementation guidelines within one year, considering factors like suitability criteria, proximity prioritization, and livestock class changes; they must also periodically assess land health on vacant allotments.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
The bill adds a new Section 405 to Title IV of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. This introduces a formal process for temporary grazing relief not previously specified, enabling quicker responses to emergencies without requiring full new permit processes.
Potential Impacts on Government Agencies, Citizens, or International Relations
- Government Agencies: Requires the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service to develop guidelines, coordinate on allotments, and conduct evaluations, potentially increasing administrative workload but streamlining emergency responses.
- Citizens: Provides ranchers with options to maintain operations during disruptions, supporting economic stability in rural areas.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Holders of grazing permits and leases on federal lands (primarily ranchers and livestock operators).
- Federal land management agencies (Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service).
- Local communities and related industries dependent on ranching.
- Entities involved in wildlife or ecological management due to coordination requirements.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The legislation enhances administrative flexibility for federal land use without altering core property rights or constitutional authorities over public lands. It focuses on practical emergency management and may reduce conflicts in permit administration, though it emphasizes ecological considerations in decision-making.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-17: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, 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.
- 2025-07-17: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, 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.
- 2025-07-17: Introduced in House
- 2025-07-17: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Resiliency for Ranching and Natural Conservation Health Act — issued 2025-07-17 — PDF (6 pages)