H.R.2238 - Ranching Without Red Tape Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2238, the "Ranching Without Red Tape Act of 2025," aims to streamline the process for grazing permit holders to make minor range improvements on federal lands. It requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to respond to requests for range improvements within 30 days. The bill intends to reduce bureaucratic delays and empower permittees to maintain and improve grazing lands more efficiently.
The bill allows permittees to carry out minor range improvements if they notify the relevant agency (Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management) 30 days in advance, and the agency either approves or does not respond. It also mandates the agencies to expedite range improvements using available administrative tools.
The Act defines "minor range improvement" to include improvements to existing fences, water pipelines, and stock tanks. The bill seeks to balance environmental stewardship with the needs of ranchers who rely on federal lands for grazing.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is faster processing of requests for minor range improvements on federal lands. Ranchers will likely experience reduced waiting times and increased autonomy in managing their grazing allotments. This could lead to improved range conditions and more efficient livestock management.
Federal agencies will need to adapt their procedures to meet the 30-day response requirement. This may require reallocation of resources or the implementation of new administrative processes.
Potential environmental impacts could arise depending on the nature and scale of the range improvements undertaken. The expedited process could lead to less thorough environmental reviews in some cases.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced Bureaucracy: Streamlines the approval process for minor range improvements, saving time and resources for ranchers.
- Increased Efficiency: Allows permittees to quickly address maintenance needs on grazing lands.
- Improved Range Conditions: Facilitates timely improvements to infrastructure like fences and water systems, potentially benefiting range health.
- Empowerment of Ranchers: Gives permittees more control over the management of their grazing allotments.
- Economic Benefits: Supports the ranching industry by reducing operational costs and improving productivity.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Environmental Harm: Expedited approvals could lead to inadequate environmental reviews, resulting in negative impacts on ecosystems.
- Increased Administrative Burden: Agencies may struggle to meet the 30-day response requirement, leading to backlogs or rushed decisions.
- Lack of Clarity: The definition of "minor range improvement" could be subject to interpretation, leading to disputes between permittees and agencies.
- Uneven Implementation: The effectiveness of the bill may vary depending on the capacity and resources of individual Forest Service and BLM offices.
- Limited Scope: The bill only addresses minor range improvements, leaving larger, more complex projects subject to existing, potentially lengthy, approval processes.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2) of the US Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate federal lands. By setting guidelines for range improvements on these lands, the bill exercises this constitutional authority. It does not appear to infringe upon any individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
However, potential challenges could arise if the implementation of the bill leads to environmental damage that violates other federal laws, such as the Endangered Species Act. In such cases, the balance between property rights and environmental protection may need to be addressed by the courts.
Overall, the bill seems to operate within the bounds of constitutional authority, focusing on the management of federal lands and the streamlining of administrative processes.
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).