Revision of the Taylor Grazing Act
The current policy under 43 CFR Part 4100 Subpart 4130 (part of the Taylor Grazing Act of 1934) allows ranchers granted grazing leases to use public lands defined in that agreement as collateral for private lending encumbrance.
There are roughly 18,000 grazing leases and permits across 155 million acres of public land in 13 states Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has permitted a substantial portion of public lands to be used by an elite, wealthy few as loan collateral.
The removal of the right to use public land as collateral in private lending under 43 CFR Part 4100 Subpart 4130 should be an easy WIN-WIN for both near term risk reduction and improving the sustainability of public lands.
Position Statement:
We strongly advocate for the removal of the provision in 43 CFR Part 4100 Subpart 4130 that allows for the use of public land as collateral in private lending transactions. This policy presents several significant concerns:
Environmental Degradation:
The primary focus on private financial gain can incentivize unsustainable land use practices.
Landowners may prioritize short-term profits over long-term environmental health, leading to increased resource extraction, habitat destruction, and pollution.
Social Equity:
This policy disproportionately benefits large landowners and corporations, while potentially displacing or harming local communities and Indigenous populations who rely on these lands for subsistence and cultural practices.
Government Accountability:
The use of public land as collateral shifts the primary responsibility for land management towards private entities, potentially undermining the government's ability to ensure the sustainable use and conservation of these valuable resources.
Increased Risk:
If a borrower defaults on their loan, the government may be left with the responsibility of managing potentially environmentally damaged land, incurring significant costs for remediation and restoration.
Conclusion:
Removing the right to use public land as collateral in private lending is crucial for safeguarding our environment, promoting social equity, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our public lands. By implementing alternative financing mechanisms and strengthening government oversight, we can better balance economic development with environmental protection and social justice.
Revision of the Taylor Grazing Act
The current policy under 43 CFR Part 4100 Subpart 4130 (part of the Taylor Grazing Act of 1934) allows ranchers granted grazing leases to use public lands defined in that agreement as collateral for private lending encumbrance.
There are roughly 18,000 grazing leases and permits across 155 million acres of public land in 13 states Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has permitted a substantial portion of public lands to be used by an elite, wealthy few as loan collateral.
The removal of the right to use public land as collateral in private lending under 43 CFR Part 4100 Subpart 4130 should be an easy WIN-WIN for both near term risk reduction and improving the sustainability of public lands.
Position Statement:
We strongly advocate for the removal of the provision in 43 CFR Part 4100 Subpart 4130 that allows for the use of public land as collateral in private lending transactions. This policy presents several significant concerns:
Environmental Degradation:
The primary focus on private financial gain can incentivize unsustainable land use practices.
Landowners may prioritize short-term profits over long-term environmental health, leading to increased resource extraction, habitat destruction, and pollution.
Social Equity:
This policy disproportionately benefits large landowners and corporations, while potentially displacing or harming local communities and Indigenous populations who rely on these lands for subsistence and cultural practices.
Government Accountability:
The use of public land as collateral shifts the primary responsibility for land management towards private entities, potentially undermining the government's ability to ensure the sustainable use and conservation of these valuable resources.
Increased Risk:
If a borrower defaults on their loan, the government may be left with the responsibility of managing potentially environmentally damaged land, incurring significant costs for remediation and restoration.
Conclusion:
Removing the right to use public land as collateral in private lending is crucial for safeguarding our environment, promoting social equity, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our public lands. By implementing alternative financing mechanisms and strengthening government oversight, we can better balance economic development with environmental protection and social justice.