BILLINGS, Mont., August 22, 2024 – R-CALF USA, America’s largest organization exclusively representing independent cattle and sheep ranchers, has approved the bipartisan, bicameral Ranching Without Red Tape Act (HR6441). and p.3322).
The bill would allow ranchers on federally leased lands to make minor improvements to existing fences and fence lines, wells, water lines, and livestock watering holes through a streamlined permitting process. The bill would also direct the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to respond to major improvement requests within 30 days and expedite the implementation of such improvements by federal agencies.
“This common sense bill will allow ranchers to make many of the improvements to their rangelands that they deem necessary to optimally manage their operations without having to go through the current and lengthy process. This will ultimately benefit both their rangelands and their livestock,” said Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA.
“We applaud Rep. Vasquez for initiating this important legislation.” The bill is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) and co-sponsored by Reps. John Curtis (R-UT), John Duarte (R-CA), Celeste Maloy (R-UT), Yadira Caraveo (D-CO), and Ryan Zinke (R-MT), and U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), James Risch (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Mike Lee (R-UT).
–R-CALF USA
