H.R.1110 - Grazing for Wildfire Risk Reduction Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1110, the "Grazing for Wildfire Risk Reduction Act," directs the Secretary of Agriculture to develop and implement a strategy to increase the use of livestock grazing as a method for reducing wildfire risk. This involves coordinating with grazing permit holders on federal lands and utilizing various grazing techniques.
The bill focuses on strategies such as allowing grazing on vacant allotments during droughts or wildfires, targeted grazing, temporary permits for fuels reduction, and post-fire recovery grazing. The aim is to proactively manage vegetation and reduce the intensity and spread of wildfires.
The bill requires consideration of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) during the implementation of these grazing strategies.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would likely lead to increased grazing activity on federal lands, specifically targeting areas prone to wildfires. This could result in reduced fuel loads, potentially mitigating the severity of wildfires.
Increased grazing could also affect the ecosystem, impacting native plant species and wildlife habitats. The extent of these impacts would depend on the specific strategies implemented and the effectiveness of NEPA reviews.
Economically, the bill could benefit ranchers through increased grazing opportunities, while potentially reducing wildfire suppression costs for the government.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced wildfire risk, protecting communities and ecosystems.
- Potential cost savings in wildfire suppression.
- Increased grazing opportunities for ranchers.
- Improved ecosystem health through targeted grazing practices.
- Enhanced post-fire recovery and restoration.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential overgrazing and damage to sensitive ecosystems.
- Conflicts with wildlife and other land uses.
- Increased administrative burden for the U.S. Forest Service.
- Possible negative impacts on native plant species.
- NEPA reviews may slow down implementation.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with Congress's power to manage federal lands under Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 of the Constitution, which grants Congress the power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States.
The bill also indirectly relates to the General Welfare Clause (Preamble), as reducing wildfire risk can contribute to the overall well-being of communities and the environment. However, the specific implementation of the bill would need to adhere to other constitutional principles, such as due process and protection of private property rights.
There are no apparent conflicts with the Bill of Rights, assuming the implementation respects environmental regulations and private property rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).