Plain Language Summary
# PASTURES Act Summary **What the bill would do:** The PASTURES Act would prevent the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of the Interior from penalizing livestock owners (cattle, bison, horses, sheep, and goats) if their animals graze on certain public lands without a fence to stop them. The bill applies to National Forest lands, Fish and Wildlife Service lands, and other public lands where grazing is permitted.
Importantly, it would shift responsibility for building and maintaining fences to the federal government rather than ranchers—meaning taxpayers would cover these costs. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily benefits livestock owners and ranchers who operate near public lands. It also affects federal agencies (USDA and Interior Department) that would have new obligations to build and maintain fences. Taxpayers would ultimately fund the fencing infrastructure required under the bill. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Harriet Hageman (R-WY) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Protecting Agricultural Spaces Through Effective Ranching Strategies Act or the PASTURES ActThis bill prohibits the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior from imposing penalties on livestock owners for grazing on certain public lands. Under the bill, covered lands are National Forest System lands, lands administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or public lands (1) on which grazing is allowed by a permit or lease on or after the date of the bill's enactment and is then subsequently prohibited, and (2) that border private property.Specifically, the departments may not impose a penalty on an owner of livestock (including cattle, bison, horses, sheep, and goats) for grazing on covered lands that do not have a fence to prevent grazing.The bill specifies that USDA or Interior, depending on the covered land, is responsible for any expense related to the construction or maintenance of a fence for the prevention of grazing by livestock.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.