Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fix Our Forests Act (H.R. 8790), This bipartisan piece of legislation focuses on improving forest management and reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires.
The Act promotes enhanced cooperation among federal, state, and tribal land managers while strengthening local restoration efforts. It streamlines the consultation process for the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, preventing environmental groups from stalling projects or forcing unnecessary revisions to management plans. Additionally, the Act mandates clearer reporting on hazardous fuels reduction efforts, addressing prior misrepresentation by federal agencies regarding the number of acres treated. It also explores the establishment of a Western headquarters for the U.S. Forest Service.
The bill also incorporates Representative LaMalfa’s language to expand the clearance zone for hazardous trees around electric power lines, and his bill, H.R. 7666, was included as an amendment that directs the U.S. Forest Service to expand the use of livestock grazing in fuels management programs.
This measure is sponsored by Representative Bruce Westerman (R-Arkansas) and co-sponsored by 33 others including California Representatives Ami Bera (D-Fair Oaks); Tony Cárdenas (D-Los Angeles); Jim Costa (D-Fresno); John Duarte (R-Hughson); John Garamendi (D-Walnut Grove); Young Kim (R-La Habra); Tom McClintock (R-Elk Grove); Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley); and Scott Peters (D-La Jolla).
For more information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, Staci Heaton.