SW Arkansas Times

The Subcommittee on Federal Lands recently conducted a legislative hearing to discuss nine bills, focusing on various issues including grazing flexibility, federal estate reduction, domestic energy production, local law enforcement support, and the establishment of a new national park in Georgia. Subcommittee Chairman Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) commented on the hearing: "Today’s hearing highlighted several bills aimed at addressing the needs of ranchers through commonsense solutions focused on increasing flexibility in grazing policies and cutting through unnecessary red tape. Additionally, the Federal Lands Subcommittee looked to improve local law enforcement's role in search and rescue operations on federal lands, prioritizing the safety of rural communities."

Among the proposed legislation is H.R. 7666 by U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), which aims to expand proactive grazing as part of wildfire risk management by the U.S. Forest Service. This provision was also included in the House-passed “Fix Our Forests Act.”

U.S. Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) introduced H.R. 8182, known as the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act, to re-designate Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park as a national park and authorize a new preserve.

H.R. 8517 from U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) proposes conveying Bureau of Land Management land for solar farm development in La Paz County, potentially generating significant solar power and job opportunities.

The Operational Flexibility Grazing Management Program Act (H.R. 9062), introduced by U.S. Rep. John Curtis (R-Utah), seeks to help grazing permit holders adapt their operations according to changing landscape conditions.

U.S. Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-Utah) introduced H.R. 9165 to establish grants for remote search and rescue activities on federal lands.

The Oregon Owyhee Wilderness and Community Protection Act (H.R. 10082) by U.S. Rep Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) aims to protect ranchers' rights while maintaining operational flexibility for grazing permittees in Malheur County.

U.S. Rep Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) proposed H.R. 6441 to streamline procedures affecting livestock grazing on federal land.

H.R 9528 by U.S Rep Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) intends to rename sites within Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park after Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr.

Lastly, H.R 10084 from U.S Rep Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) seeks a ten-year reauthorization of the African American Civil Rights Network program honoring civil rights movement efforts.