NCBA: Biden NEPA Framework Compromises Environmental, Economic Goals

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council Tuesday expressed concern over the Biden administration’s National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA rule. NCBA and PLC said the rule undermines progress made over the last several years when efficient regulatory processes are critical to environmental and economic sustainability.

PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover said, “When it comes to federal regulations, ranchers are often caught in the middle of political whiplash, and this process is no exception.”

In addition to their role in water, transportation, and conservation projects nationwide, NEPA regulations play a role in all activities on federal lands. NCBA and PLC said that NEPA processes have become inefficient over the past several decades and the source of an immense amount of regulatory red tape and uncertainty as producers renew grazing permits, improve rangeland, and participate in USDA conservation programs.

NCBA and PLC, along with the American Sheep Industry Association, previously advocated for a NEPA process that is targeted, concise, and timely.

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