[MCN] Solution to #OregonUnderAttack? The Rural Economic Vitalization Act

[Matthew Koehler]

*Please contact Senator Tester, Senator Daines and Rep Zinke and ask them
to support and co-sponsor the "Rural Economic Vitalization Act," *a bill
that would address the wasteful, environmentally damaging, and economically
inefficient federal grazing policy on America's public lands.

This legislation would change federal law to allow ranchers with grazing
permits to voluntarily relinquish their permits to the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service in exchange for private market
compensation.

LINKS to Web Forms to Contact the Montana delegation:

Tester: https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=email_senator
Daines: http://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve
Zinke: https://zinke.house.gov/contact

Below is more information about the Rural Economic Vitalization Act.

Thank you.

- Matthew Koehler


*Congressman Smith Reintroduces Rural Economic Vitalization Act*

*Fact sheet on REVA*: http://bit.ly/REVA_FactSheet

Congressman Adam Smith reintroduced the Rural Economic Vitalization Act
(REVA), a bill that would address the wasteful, environmentally damaging,
and economically inefficient federal grazing policy on our public lands.
This legislation would change federal law to allow ranchers with grazing
permits to voluntarily relinquish their permits to the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service in exchange for private market
compensation.  It would further allow the BLM and U.S. Forest Service to
permanently retire the grazing permit.

LINK TO REVA:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/3410/text

“Our current federal grazing policy is inefficient, wasteful, and must be
addressed,” said Congressman Adam Smith.  “By allowing ranchers with
grazing permits to voluntarily relinquish their permits, this legislation
is a win for all involved as it saves the American taxpayer money, gives
public lands the chance to rebuild their natural habitats, and provides
ranchers with more financial opportunities.  This bill opens the door for
private solutions to a long-standing problem and eliminates wasteful
spending while saving taxpayer dollars.”

Representative Raul Grijalva joined Congressman Smith in introducing the
legislation, saying “grazing is an important use of our public lands, but
it's a very impactful use. Excessive grazing impacts wildlife habitat, soil
composition, local hydrology, and even heightens the impacts of climate
change. Retiring some permits will help save taxpayer money and benefit
federal conservation efforts. Right now, when we are looking for ways to
save taxpayer money, REVA is a win-win. Ranchers that want to retire their
permits should have that opportunity.”

Current law does not allow for the retirement of grazing permits.  This has
impacts on wildlife, watersheds, and the surrounding ecosystem, which
continue to be harmed by domestic livestock grazing.  In addition to the
environmental issues, the federal grazing program is heavily subsidized and
costs American taxpayers over $117 million a year.  In Fiscal Year 2014,
the BLM and U.S. Forest Service spent $134 million on grazing management,
but only reported collecting $17 million in grazing fees.
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