Craig, Domenici Respond To Criticism Of Grazing Bill Initial Plan Attacked For Giving Too Much Clout To Ranchers

Sens. Larry Craig and Pete Domenici say they have made changes in grazing legislation to answer critics who charge it benefits ranchers only.

The Idaho and New Mexico Republicans released their initial plan over the summer to replace Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt’s grazing rules implemented Aug 21.

It drew criticism from the Interior Department and environmentalists, who said it gave too much clout to the livestock industry.

Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., did not support the bill when it was initially introduced. After the changes were made, however, Baucus co-signed a letter sent by Craig, Domenici and other senators urging the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to review the legislation Nov. 30.

Chairman Frank Murkowski, R-Alaska, granted their request.

Significant revisions include inserting a definition of “affected interest.” Notices of actions taken on specific allotments would be provided to “affected interests.”

Language would be added to ensure the legislation will not prohibit authorized multiple uses of the land. Range monitoring would be allowed in the permittee’s absence.

Federal land managers could step in when a failure to act could damage the resource.

The measure also was considerably shortened: about 50 of the original bill’s 84 pages were removed, Idaho Cattle Association executive vice president Bob Sears said.

“A lot of people that criticized the bill because it was too complicated,” Sears said. “They’ve reduced the verbiage down to something that’s liveable.”

Ranchers say the bill is not ideal, particularly with the new changes. But they much prefer it to Babbitt’s package.

Castleford sheep rancher Mike Guerry said neither grazing interests nor environmentalists got what they wanted in the bill, which probably means it is a good compromise.

“It’s a good step in the right direction, and the bill ought to pass,” said Guerry, who serves on the executive board of the Public Lands Council, which promotes public land grazing.

The bill’s backers are hoping to move it onto the Senate floor within two weeks. Meanwhile, the House will be considering companion legislation, Sears said.