Sponsors (7)
Requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to pay eligible livestock producers 100% of the market value for animals killed by Mexican gray wolves, based on values set by the Secretary on the applicable date. Also directs the Secretary to provide emergency relief each fiscal year to producers whose herds are harmed by Mexican gray wolves. Within 180 days, the Secretary must create a payment formula, consult with relevant wildlife and agriculture agencies, and submit annual reports to the House and Senate Agriculture Committees detailing payments and recipients.
Redesignate existing subparagraphs (A) and (B) of Section 1501(b)(2) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and adjust indentation accordingly.
Replace the matter preceding clause (i) (as redesignated) with a labeled subparagraph (A) titled 'In general' and text reading: 'Except as provided in subparagraph (B), indemnity payments; and'.
Add a new subparagraph (B) titled 'Attacks by Mexican gray wolves' that requires indemnity payments to an eligible producer on a farm under paragraph (1) to be made at a rate of 100 percent of the market value of the affected livestock, as determined by the Secretary, on the applicable date described in clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (A).
Amend Section 1501(d) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(d)) by adding a new paragraph (5) titled “Emergency relief to mitigate effect of Mexican gray wolves.”
Each fiscal year, the Secretary shall use funds made available under paragraph (1) of section 1501(d) to provide emergency relief to producers of livestock with herds adversely affected by Mexican gray wolves, as determined by the Secretary.
Primary effects fall on livestock producers in areas where Mexican gray wolves range (e.g., parts of the Southwest). Producers receive full compensation for wolf-caused livestock deaths and new, ongoing emergency relief for other defined harms once the formula is set. This could reduce financial uncertainty and support ranch operations affected by wolf depredation.
USDA will need to administer higher-rate indemnity payments and design, consult on, and implement the new emergency relief formula, then report annually to Congress. State wildlife agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may be consulted to align compensation with wolf management and recovery data. Wildlife advocates may see reduced conflict risk if compensation lowers pressure to oppose wolf recovery, while taxpayers bear the cost of expanded relief. Overall budget impact depends on the incidence of wolf-related losses and the formula’s scope.
Last progress March 18, 2025 (11 months ago)
Introduced on March 18, 2025 by Greg Stanton
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.