H.R.774 - Protecting Agricultural Spaces Through Effective Ranching Strategies Act; PASTURES Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.774, also known as the PASTURES Act, aims to limit the ability of the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to penalize livestock owners for grazing on certain federal lands. This applies to lands where grazing was permitted but is subsequently prohibited. The bill mandates that the government is responsible for fence construction and maintenance to prevent grazing on these lands.
Expected Effects
The bill would shift the financial burden of preventing grazing on restricted federal lands from livestock owners to the government. This could lead to changes in land management practices and potentially impact the balance between agricultural interests and environmental conservation efforts. It may also reduce the risk of penalties for ranchers who graze livestock on federal lands.
Potential Benefits
- Reduces financial burden on livestock owners by preventing penalties for grazing on covered lands without fencing.
- Ensures government responsibility for fence construction and maintenance on covered lands.
- Potentially protects agricultural spaces by supporting ranching operations.
- May lead to clearer guidelines and regulations regarding grazing on federal lands.
- Could improve relationships between ranchers and federal agencies.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May lead to increased grazing on federal lands, potentially harming the environment.
- Could increase government spending on fence construction and maintenance.
- May reduce the flexibility of land management agencies in protecting sensitive areas.
- Could create conflicts between agricultural interests and conservation efforts.
- Potential for legal challenges regarding the definition of 'covered lands'.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with Congress's power to regulate 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. However, the bill's impact on environmental regulations could raise questions related to the government's responsibility to protect natural resources. The Fifth Amendment's Takings Clause might be relevant if restrictions on grazing are perceived as a taking of 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).