Resiliency for Ranching and Natural Conservation Health Act

H.R. 4513 would modify federal grazing policies to support ranchers facing natural disasters and extreme weather events. The bill would make vacant grazing allotments on federal lands temporarily available to ranchers who hold existing grazing permits or leases when they experience loss of access to their normal grazing areas due to natural disasters. This would provide emergency pasture access during crises without requiring lengthy approval processes.

The legislation would also extend the period of grazing permits and leases for up to 20 years when certain conditions are met, streamline the permit renewal process through categorical exclusions from environmental review requirements, and allocate funding for rangeland health and resiliency projects. The bill aims to support rural ranching communities and promote healthy rangelands while also providing public access to land-locked public lands for hunting and recreation. The bill is currently under consideration in the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Agriculture.