REP. NANCY MACE INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN BILL TO CONSERVE GRASSLANDS, SUPPORT RANCHERS, AND STRENGTHEN TRIBAL CONSERVATION EFFORTS

(Washington, D.C. October 9th, 2024) - Representative Nancy Mace has introduced the bipartisan North American Grasslands Conservation Council Act to protect and restore North America's grasslands.

The bill establishes a voluntary, incentive-based program for a North American Grasslands Conservation Plan and creates a grant program to fund conservation efforts like grassland management, restoration, and easements. It supports farmers, ranchers and private landowners, while also providing dedicated funding for Tribal grasslands conservation and promoting indigenous ecological knowledge. The bill also includes a pilot program for regenerative grazing to mitigate climate change. Co-leading the bill are Representatives Sharice Davids, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Mike Thompson.

"The United States has over 125 million acres of grasslands that are threatened, and right here in South Carolina, we see firsthand how important conservation is to the health and beauty of our natural ecosystems," said Rep. Nancy Mace (SC-01). "Our office has made a promise to preserve this beauty, not just for today but for future generations."

"In Kansas, we have grassland prairies that are well known throughout the Great Plains for their beautiful landscapes and scenic hiking trails, but grasslands once covered millions of acres across North America, stretching from coast to coast. Grasslands are vital to ranchers and producers, Tribes, and folks who love spending time outdoors. They're critical habitats to countless species of birds, important pollinators, and treasured animals like the bison. And, they're crucial to fighting the effects of climate change, bolstering our food security, and combating extreme weather. I'm excited for this opportunity to highlight the protection of our grasslands and bipartisan solutions that build off of successful public-private partnerships," said Representative Sharice L. Davids (KS-03).

"Grasslands are among the most endangered ecosystems in the world, with over 70 percent of America's tallgrass, mixed grass, and shortgrass prairies now gone. Our grasslands are vital for the survival of farmers and rural communities across PA-1 and our nation, which is why I am championing this critical piece of bipartisan, bicameral legislation. By establishing a landowner-driven, incentive-based program and investing in restoration programs, the North American Grasslands Conservation Act will protect essential habitats that support our American farmers, ranchers, and Tribal Nations and revitalize these critical ecosystems, ensuring they continue to sustain wildlife and rural communities for generations to come," said Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01).

"Grasslands are vital to the livelihoods of our nation's ranchers and the health of our native wildlife - yet they remain endangered. It's great to join my colleagues to introduce the bipartisan North American Grasslands Conservation Act to invest in voluntary, incentive-based programs to help farmers, ranchers, Tribal Nations, sportsmen and women, and state and local governments preserve, rehabilitate, and responsibly manage our grasslands for generations to come," said Representative Mike Thompson (CA-04).

Read the full bill text here.

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