Thornberry, Cornyn, Cruz urge USDA Secretary to authorize emergency CRP use for drought and wildfires

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Jordan Hunter
May 14, 2018	(202) 225-3706

Thornberry, Cornyn, Cruz urge USDA Secretary to authorize emergency CRP use for drought and wildfires

WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon), U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) urge USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to authorize emergency use of CRP lands to aid producers impacted by severe drought and wildfires. Below is the text:

"We are writing to respectfully request that you exercise your authority to allow Texas producers to graze Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) enrolled lands after recent wildfires and drought have created severe hardships in the region.

As you are aware, several Texas counties are currently in D3 (Extreme Drought) and D4 (Exceptional Drought) according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, and they have been experiencing drought conditions for some time. Additionally, many counties have experienced devastating wildfires that have depleted ground cover for grazing. With the primary nesting season still in effect, emergency haying and grazing is not an option leaving emergency use as the only alternative for many producers.

We greatly appreciate your proven support of our nation’s agricultural producers, especially the assistance provided during last year’s wildfires that was critical to recovery. Again, we respectfully ask that you utilize all available authorities and approve emergency use CRP grazing.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter."

A copy of the letter can be downloaded here.

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