Ranchers Criticize Senate for Irresponsible Passage of Land Grab Legislation

As sportsmen and conservationists celebrate the Senate’s passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, ranchers are criticizing the Senate for what they call an irresponsible passage of land grabbing legislation.

Kaitlynn Glover is the NCBA Natural Resources and PLC Executive Director.

"Today’s passage of the Great American Outdoors Act is a disappointment to those who value conservation and active management of our natural resources" said Glover. "By making funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) mandatory, proponents of this bill sentenced existing and future lands and waters to the same fate facing current federal assets – billions of dollars in deferred maintenances. Today is indeed a landmark day – with this legislation, Congress has abdicated their responsibility and privilege to engage in these important conservation decision. I hope they are more prudent in representing their constituents when setting conservation priorities in future legislation."

The Great American Outdoors Act passed the Senate by a 73-25 vote, garnering widespread bipartisan support. It now moves to the U.S. House of Representatives before it can head to the President’s desk to be signed into law.