WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (UT-02) has introduced the Resiliency for Ranching and Natural Conservation Health (RANCH) Act to allow ranchers to temporarily access vacant grazing allotments during extreme weather events or disasters.

Collectively, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture manage over 600 million acres. Of those vast land holdings, the United States Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management permit livestock grazing on about 230 million acres and authorize around 24,000 permits and leases held by ranchers. The RANCH Act promotes effective grazing management on these 230 million acres.

“Livestock grazing is a critical component of the multiple use framework that has long guided the management of our public lands. It supports rural economies and helps sustain the traditions that built the West. The RANCH Act is about ensuring that Utah’s ranchers are protected from events that are out of their control and can remain viable for generations to come,” said Rep. Maloy.

“The Utah Farm Bureau Federation applauds Congresswoman Maloy for championing the RANCH Act and recognizing the vital role Utah’s ranchers play in stewarding our federal lands and sustaining our rural communities,” said President ValJay Rigby, Utah Farm Bureau Federation. "This legislation addresses the unique challenges producers face during natural disasters and extreme weather events—making sure that ranching families remain resilient and productive in the face of adversity. Temporary access to unused allotments is a common-sense policy that will support the long-term future of ranching in Utah and throughout the West."

“The Utah Wool Growers Association strongly supports Congresswoman Celeste Maloy’s introduction of the RANCH Act. This commonsense legislation demonstrates her deep understanding of the challenges faced by livestock producers in the West and her commitment to practical solutions. Ranchers in Utah and beyond are constantly at the mercy of unpredictable weather and natural disasters, and this bill provides much-needed flexibility and support to help them adapt and remain resilient. Congresswoman Maloy has once again proven to be a tireless advocate for rural communities, and we commend her leadership in championing policies that uphold both responsible land stewardship and the long-term sustainability of family ranching,” said President Casey Earl, Utah Wool Growers Association.

The RANCH Act will:

  • Allow holders of grazing permits or leases to temporarily use vacant grazing allotments if their original allotments are unusable due to unforeseen and extreme events/disasters
  • Require federal agencies to determine whether vacant allotments are suitable for temporary use.

The bill will not change:

  • Ongoing or future assessments of the vacant allotment
  • The original permit or lease terms, preferences, or future authorizations of the permit holder.