Ranchers, OCA Applaud Proposed Changes To NEPA

Earlier this month, the Trump Administration announced changes to the National Environmental Policy Act that many in the farming community applauded.  NEPA was first enacted in 1970 and has not undergone substantive regulatory revision since 1986.  Currently, ranchers must undergo NEPA reviews for many reasons, but common examples include renewal of a term grazing permit, construction of range improvements, or to become eligible for participation in USDA programs.

Jerome Rosa Executive Director of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association said the Administration is simply looking at modernizing the NEPA rules.

“Number 1, the most important thing in our book, is that it proposed a two year deadline for completion of an EIS, Environmental Impact Statement, and it also, #2, proposes a one year deadline for the completion of an Environmental Assessment.”

Rosa said those time limits are welcomed news, since many permits don’t get done in a timely manner, meaning allotments are not renewed.

“It got to where it was just such a cumbersome process, I’ve heard of some of these things [EISs and EAs] were over 170 pages, and so it’s just kind of ridiculous.  This is going to streamline and modernize the process.”

Rosa added when NEPA requirements are done in a timely manner, livestock owners are able to get on to their allotments, and follow plans that will help reduce the threat of massive wildfires.  The Administration will take comments on the NEPA changes through March 10^th.

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