Legislation aimed at reducing wildfire risk in the western United States has advanced in the Senate. The Strategic Grazing to Reduce the Risk of Wildfire Act, introduced by Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), was unanimously approved by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The bill will now proceed to the full Senate for consideration.
The proposed legislation instructs the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service to work with grazing allotment holders, state governments, Tribal authorities, and fire departments. Their goal is to develop a coordinated strategy using targeted livestock grazing as a method for managing hazardous fuels that contribute to wildfires.
Senator Curtis commented on Utah’s recent experience with wildfires: “Last year, Utah saw nearly 165,000 acres burned by wildfires—the most acreage burned since 2020,” said Senator Curtis. “Pilot programs have shown that strategic grazing and use of public lands for fire mitigation can reduce hazardous fuels and slow the spread of wildfires. As we face this year’s fire season, I’m proud to see our bipartisan legislation to empower local officials and fire crews to develop targeted strategies like these advance in the Senate.”
Senator Cortez Masto emphasized Nevada’s efforts: “Nevada’s use of strategic grazing to reduce the risk of devastating wildfires has been a proven success,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Now, we have the opportunity to extend this valuable tool throughout the West. I am glad to see my legislation pass through committee with bipartisan support, and I urge Senate leadership to immediately bring it to the floor for a vote.”
According to pilot programs referenced by both senators, targeted grazing has demonstrated effectiveness in lowering fuel loads and slowing wildfire progression. The bill directs federal agencies to include input from multiple stakeholders as they create a framework for implementing strategic grazing practices.
