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Press release from the office of Rep. James Gallagher (R-Yuba City):

Gallagher.

Congressman James Gallagher (CA-01) joined Representatives Tom McClintock (CA-05), Vince Fong (CA-20), and David Valadao (CA-22) in sending a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, and Senate President Pro Tempore Monique Limón urging immediate action to address the expiration of California’s overtime exemption for commercial goat herders. The lawmakers warned that without relief, the policy change threatens an industry that plays a vital role in wildfire prevention and vegetation management across California. 

The lawmakers warned that without legislative action, commercial goat herding operations could be forced to close, reducing one of California’s most effective tools for managing vegetation and lowering wildfire risk.

“Commercial goat herding is a simple and effective way to reduce dangerous fuel loads before wildfire season,” said Congressman Gallagher. “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.”

BACKGROUND

Commercial goat herding businesses provide targeted grazing services that help reduce wildfire fuel loads across California while naturally controlling invasive vegetation. According to the letter, goat herders graze nearly 100,000 acres each year, providing an important tool for wildfire prevention and land management.

The lawmakers explain that the July 1 expiration of California’s overtime exemption for goat herders has created an impossible operational challenge for herd owners. Because livestock require continuous care, they argue the new requirements threaten the long-term viability of commercial goat herding operations.

Without legislative action, the letter warns many businesses could be forced to close, reducing California’s wildfire mitigation capacity while increasing costs for state and local governments that rely on targeted grazing to protect communities.

The letter urges Governor Newsom and legislative leaders to act quickly to preserve California’s commercial goat herding industry and maintain one of the state’s most effective wildfire prevention tools.

Read the full letter here.