A growing dispute is emerging over federal grazing policy in the western United States as environmental groups prepare legal challenges against efforts to expand livestock grazing on public lands.
The Center for Biological Diversity filed a notice of intent to sue the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of the Interior over the administration’s new Grazing Action Plan, which would reopen and expand grazing allotments across parts of the West. The group argues the plan could violate the Endangered Species Act by threatening wildlife habitat and sensitive ecosystems. Federal agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service, say the proposal is intended to improve grazing access and support ranchers facing drought, rising costs and tight cattle supplies.
Ranching organizations, including the Public Lands Council, say grazing is critical to western agricultural economies, according to Beef Magazine. Environmental advocates argue expanded grazing could increase conflicts involving predators, water quality and endangered species protections on federally managed lands.
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