Congressman Nick Begich III has cosponsored legislation to address the growing risk of catastrophic forest fires, a result, in part, due to forest mismanagement.
“From the devastation caused by the Malibu fires to the growing risks faced by countless communities across the nation, it’s clear we are in the midst of a wildfire crisis,” Begich said. “Years of mismanagement and bureaucratic delays have left our forests vulnerable and our communities exposed. I am proud to support the Fix Our Forests Act as a decisive step toward addressing this urgent issue. This legislation provides the tools needed to manage our forests effectively, protect lives, and restore landscapes while creating much-needed jobs in rural areas.”
The Fix Our Forests Act streamlines permitting processes, streamlines forest restoration efforts, and fosters economic growth in rural communities.
“When it comes to safeguarding our families, firefighters, and forests, we cannot afford inaction. This legislation prioritizes safety, efficiency, and action to tackle the wildfire crisis head-on. It’s time to fix our forests and protect our communities,” he said.
The bill fact sheet highlights these features:
- Simplify and expedite environmental reviews to reduce costs and planning times for critical forest management projects while maintaining rigorous environmental standards.
Make communities more resilient to wildfire by coordinating existing grant programs and furthering new research.
Promote federal, state, tribal, and local collaboration by creating a new Fireshed Center and codifying the Shared Stewardship initiative.
Stop frivolous litigation and endless agency consultations that delay needed forest management activities.
Give agencies new emergency tools to restore watersheds, protect communities in the wildland-urban interface and prevent forest conversion.
Utilize state-of-the-art science to prioritize the treatment of forests at the highest risk of wildfire.
Incentivize forest management projects of up to 10,000 acres to increase the pace and scale of addressing wildfire, drought, insects and disease.
Revitalize rural economies by strengthening tools such as Good Neighbor Authority and Stewardship Contracting.
Adopt new and innovative technologies to address forest health threats and suppress wildfires quickly and more efficiently.
Harden utility rights-of-way against wildfire by encouraging more active management and the removal of dangerous hazard trees.
Support wildland firefighters and their families through the creation of a new Casualty Assistance Program.
The House of Representatives passed the bill on Thursday on a vote of 279 to 141. It now goes to the Senate.
