ISLAND, Ky. (RFD-TV) — Last week, the U.S. House passed the Pet and Livestock Protection Act, legislation aimed at delisting gray wolves as an endangered species in the lower 48 states and strengthening protections for cattle producers facing wolf depredation. Garrett Edmonds, director of government affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC), joined us to explain what the bill means for producers and where it goes next.
In his interview with RFD-TV News, Edmonds explained that the bill’s passage in the House represents a significant step for cattle producers, who have long raised concerns about livestock losses linked to growing gray wolf populations. He discussed how the legislation is intended to provide regulatory certainty and restore state-level management authority over gray wolves.
Edmonds also outlined what the Pet and Livestock Protection Act would do if enacted, including formally removing gray wolves in the lower 48 states from the federal endangered species list and limiting judicial review related to that decision. He noted that supporters of the bill believe it would help reduce conflicts between wolves and livestock while maintaining conservation success.
The discussion also focused on the legislative process ahead, with Edmonds explaining that the bill must now advance through the U.S. Senate before it can be sent to President Trump for signature. Finally, he addressed how gray wolf depredation has affected cattle producers this year, describing the ongoing challenges they face in wolf-occupied areas and why the issue remains a top priority for NCBA and PLC as they advocate on behalf of ranchers.
