Center for Biological Diversity Sues Over 24 Million-Acre Grazing Plan as Trump Fast-Tracks Federal Lands
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 11
Center for Biological Diversity Sues Over 24 Million-Acre Grazing Plan as Trump Fast-Tracks Federal Lands
11 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 11
A 60-day notice from the Center for Biological Diversity seeks to block a Trump administration plan that could open up to 24 million acres of federal land to cattle grazing, including parts of Grand Canyon National Park and other protected landscapes.
The group says the Bureau of Land Management pushed the March plan through without the Endangered Species Act review required from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, while using emergency authority to speed grazing where it is now barred.
CBD argues expanded grazing would worsen habitat loss and predator killings: about half of 2,400 stream miles it surveyed since 2017 showed significant livestock damage, and grizzlies, wolves, steelhead salmon and other protected species could face higher risks.
The administration says it wants no net loss of grazing capacity and to maximize livestock use across western rangelands, but advocates say public lands grazing supports only 2% of U.S. beef cattle and offers limited industry benefit despite high meat prices.
If the administration does not respond within 60 days, CBD said it will ask a federal judge to force a wildlife-impact review, setting up a broader fight over grazing policy across the American West.
With public lands providing just 2% of US beef, does the economic gain from expanded grazing justify risks to endangered species?
As cattle return to sensitive lands, can modern ranching techniques prevent the predicted conflict with vulnerable predator populations?
24 Million Acres at Stake: Trump Administration’s Grazing Plan, Environmental Lawsuits, and the Fight for America’s Public Lands
Overview
In April 2026, the Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit to stop the USDA’s Expanded Livestock Grazing Plan, arguing that uncontrolled grazing is destroying critical habitats and pushing endangered species, like the Mexican gray wolf, closer to extinction. Experts warn that keeping current grazing practices threatens sensitive riparian areas, especially in places like Arizona and New Mexico. Despite the livestock industry’s small share of national beef production, the environmental harm is significant. The lawsuit highlights the conflict between economic interests and the urgent need to protect vulnerable ecosystems and species under federal law.