Several livestock groups led by the American Sheep Industry Association, Public Lands Council and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association are opposing legislation being considered in Congress known as the Great American Outdoors Act. American Sheep Industry Association Senior Policy and Information Director Chase Adams says the measure allows the federal government to purchase a large amount of private property.
South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association President Eric Jennings says there are several problems with the legislation including it leads to land being taken off the tax rolls as well as allows the government to compete with private industry for land.
Adams says the bill also lets the government grab public land without any oversight by Congress.
The Senate is expected to vote on the measure this week while the House is slated to take up the measure before July 4. President Trump has already indicated he’ll sign the bill if it’s sent to him.
