Commercial goat herders are commonly hired by government agencies, utilities and private landowners to graze vegetation that can serve as fuel during wildfire season. Photo courtesy of Sacramento County

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MPG) – Rep. James Gallagher is joining three other California members of Congress in urging Gov. Gavin Newsom and state legislative leaders to restore an overtime exemption for commercial goat herders, arguing that the policy change could weaken one of California's established methods of reducing wildfire fuel.

In a letter sent Monday to Newsom, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate President Pro Tempore Monique Limón, the lawmakers said the July 1 expiration of the exemption has created "an immediate and unsustainable operational crisis" for commercial goat herding businesses. They contend that without legislative action, many operations may no longer be able to remain in business.

Commercial goat herders are commonly hired by government agencies, utilities and private landowners to graze vegetation that can serve as fuel during wildfire season. According to the letter, the industry manages nearly 100,000 acres annually while also helping control invasive weeds and reducing the need for chemical herbicides.

"Commercial goat herding is a simple and effective way to reduce dangerous fuel loads before wildfire season," Gallagher said in a statement. "Sacramento shouldn't be making it harder for these businesses to operate when they're doing vital work to protect communities across California. State leaders should work fast to fix this before we lose this important industry."

The lawmakers argue that goat herding differs from most industries because livestock require continuous care, making traditional hourly work schedules difficult to apply.

"Herding is a uniquely structured industry," the letter states. "For years, California goat herding operations were exempt from certain overtime requirements, which is an approach that allowed them to remain economically viable, care for their herds responsibly, and compensate employees fairly."

The lawmakers said the expiration of the exemption has created what they describe as "an untenable business environment that threatens the survival of the industry." They warn that if businesses close, California could lose an important tool for wildfire prevention while state and local governments face higher costs for vegetation management.

The letter also argues that the impact would extend beyond wildfire prevention.

"Without a solution, goat herding businesses will be forced to shut down," the lawmakers wrote. "The consequences would be severe: the loss of critical wildfire-prevention and land-management services, the unemployment for hardworking employees, and increased costs for state and local governments that rely on these services to protect communities."

Gallagher, McClintock, Vince Fong and David Valadao urged state leaders to act quickly, saying commercial goat herding remains an important part of California's wildfire mitigation strategy.

"We respectfully urge the Governor and leaders in the Legislature to act swiftly to address this issue and ensure that California can continue to benefit from commercial goat herding," the letter states. "Without action, herders will be unable to operate in the state and will be left with no other choice but to close their businesses."