Congresswoman Harriet Hageman has reintroduced three legislative measures aimed at protecting private property rights in Wyoming. The proposed bills include the No Net Gain in Federal Lands Act, the PASTURES Act, and legislation to repeal the SUSTAINS Act. These efforts are intended to counter federal expansion and return land management decisions to local control.
The No Net Gain in Federal Lands Act seeks to prevent the USDA and DOI from increasing federal land holdings without transferring an equivalent amount or value of acreage back to the state. The PASTURES Act is designed to protect landowners adjacent to federally leased lands by requiring agencies to build fences before imposing trespassing penalties following sudden permit changes. Additionally, Hageman aims to repeal the SUSTAINS Act, which she describes as a "misguided Pelosi-backed piece of legislation" that aligns USDA conservation programs with the United Nations' natural capital accounting agenda on private lands.
Rep. Hageman stated, "The federal government already controls 640 million acres of land, along with a maintenance backlog of tens of billions of dollars, and I promise you they don’t need any more." She emphasized her experience defending landowners against federal control and expressed optimism for change with Republican majorities in Congress and President Trump in office. Hageman argues that blocking further expansion by USDA and DOI is crucial for protecting ranchers, innovators, and states from losing more land.
Hageman criticized federal management practices, citing issues such as forest fires and infestations as evidence of mismanagement. She concluded by advocating for a return to common sense policies that prioritize private property rights over expanding federal ownership.
For further information, contact Esteban Elizondo, Communications Director.
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