Three organizations are urging the support of the Government Litigation Savings Act – legislation introduced on Wednesday with the purpose of bringing accountability and transparency to the Equal Access to Justice Act. The EAJA allows plaintiffs to get expenses back from the federal government when they win a case against the government. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Bill Donald says well-funded environmental activists have abused the EAJA to advance their agenda to ultimately end grazing and other multiple-use activities on federal lands. According to Public Lands Council President John Falen – the proposed legislation will shed light onto abuses of environmental activists and reform the EAJA.

The measure wouldn’t allow organizations to file for EAJA funds if they have a net worth of more than seven-million dollars. It would also require filers show a direct and personal monetary interest in the action to be eligible for payments – and cap attorney fees those organizations claim are owed. Margaret Hinson – President of the American Sheep Industry – says livestock producers take their obligation to responsibly use and manage natural resources seriously – but EAJA payments aren’t encouraging wise resource use. Instead – she says they are encouraging destructive behavior on the parts of powerful special interest groups.