Rep. Gabe Vasquez Secures Bipartisan Support for Ranching Without Red Tape Act in Congressional Hearing

With over 9,000 ranchers raising more than 1.2 million head of cattle across 13.5 million acres of public land in New Mexico, Vasquez emphasized the critical role ranchers play in the state’s economy and the need for commonsense solutions to support their industry.

 

“Oftentimes these ranchers are confronted with unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that hinder their ability to do their jobs efficiently. That's why I'm proud to have introduced the bipartisan Ranching Without Red Tape Act, which would cut through excessive regulatory delays and provide ranchers with the flexibility that they need to make simple but critical improvements on their federal leases,” said Vasquez.

 

During the hearing, Vasquez questioned Mr. Troy Sander, a witness representing livestock producers, about the real-world impact of these regulations. Sander confirmed that simple range improvements—such as maintaining water troughs, pipelines, and fences—can trigger lease renegotiations, creating costly and time-consuming delays. He expressed his strong support for Vasquez’s bill, saying, "We are 100% supportive of this initiative."

 

Vasquez also highlighted another key piece of bipartisan legislation he introduced, the Grazing for Wildfire Management Act, co-led by Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA). The bill recognizes the role of targeted grazing in wildfire mitigation by reducing fuel loads on public lands and helping to prevent catastrophic wildfires, which have devastated New Mexico in recent years.

 

“We know that well-managed grazing plays a crucial role in wildfire mitigation by reducing fuel loads,” Vasquez said. “The Grazing for Wildfire Management Act would make it easier for ranchers to access public lands to reduce some of those fuels and prevent catastrophic wildfires like those in New Mexico—two of the largest we’ve seen in just the last year alone.”

 

Sander added that grazing cattle and the environment share a “symbiotic relationship” that can slow wildfires and reduce fire risk. Sander added that “we are 100% supportive of this initiative as well.”

 

Vasquez reaffirmed his commitment to advancing these bills in full committee discussions and ensuring they are considered in the upcoming Farm Bill. His leadership on these issues reflects his broader efforts to support rural economies, reduce burdensome regulations, and promote sustainable land management.