SLC Times

WASHINGTON - Today, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the State Grazing Management Authority Act, a bill designed to empower states to manage grazing allotments on federal lands. The legislation aims to improve rangeland management efficiency and effectiveness while promoting collaboration between local stakeholders and government agencies.

The proposed State Grazing Management Authority Act seeks to amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, enabling the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to establish cooperative agreements with states for administering allotment management plans on federal lands. These agreements would grant states the authority to oversee grazing activities within the framework of valid existing rights and federal supervision.

Senator Lee highlighted the motivation behind the bill, stating, "For too long, grazers on federal public lands have faced bureaucratic hurdles and unresponsive management practices." He emphasized the bill's objective of allowing states to customize grazing management strategies to local requirements, ultimately fostering healthier rangelands and stronger communities.

The legislation envisions states collaborating with federal agencies to create and execute allotment management plans tailored to specific local conditions. This approach aims to enhance the adaptability and responsiveness of rangeland management, ensuring that grazing practices align with the needs of ranchers and grazers.

Key components of the State Grazing Management Authority Act include the establishment of cooperative agreements between states and federal agencies for administering grazing allotments, assigning responsibility for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses to states, revenue sharing of grazing fees, implementing dispute resolution mechanisms, and monitoring grazing management practices to ensure compliance with established plans.

The bill sets out processes for resolving disputes and guarantees that stakeholders directly involved in grazing management maintain decision-making control. Additionally, joint monitoring procedures would be included in cooperative agreements to assess the effectiveness of grazing management practices and ensure adherence to established plans.

Senator Lee's initiative aims to enhance the partnership between states and federal entities in managing grazing activities on federal lands, with a focus on improving efficiency, responsiveness, and collaboration in rangeland management.