Reps. Adam Smith (D-WA-09) and Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) recently introduced the Voluntary Grazing Permit Retirement Act of 2022, which would give grazing permit holders the ability to voluntarily waive their permits on federal lands for compensation and to promote conservation.
“As ranchers across the country face increasing costs and land management challenges, this legislation would provide them with the flexibility to do what is best for their land and families,” Smith said. “Federal grazing permit holders often face barriers or have limited flexibility to give up their grazing permits, even when it is the best option for their own situation.”
Relinquishing permits would be voluntary. The bill has the support of several conservation groups, including the Humane Society of the United States, Western Watersheds Project and Sierra Club.
