SW Arkansas Times

House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman testified before the House Committee on Rules in support of H.R. 471, known as the Fix Our Forests Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to address catastrophic wildfires through improved forest management.

Westerman emphasized the urgency of addressing wildfires, noting the recent devastation in California, where fires have claimed 28 lives and destroyed over 15,000 structures. "There are few topics more urgent for the House to take up than catastrophic wildfire and the 'Fix Our Forests Act,'" he stated.

The proposed act seeks to prevent future wildfires by utilizing advanced science to identify high-risk areas and prioritize preventative treatments. It includes measures such as clearing brush and cutting fuel breaks before fires occur. The bill also codifies emergency authorities to expedite forest management projects, which typically take years to complete.

"FOFA doesn’t waive a single environmental law," Westerman assured. Instead, it aims to make existing tools more flexible and efficient. Additionally, it introduces provisions for managing flammable vegetation near utility rights-of-way and creates a new Community Wildfire Risk Reduction Program.

Westerman highlighted bipartisan efforts in developing the legislation alongside Representative Scott Peters from California. The bill has incorporated amendments from both parties and previously passed the House with strong bipartisan support.

In conclusion, Westerman urged prompt action on this matter: "We know what needs to be done, and make no mistake—there is a price for continued inaction."

The Fix Our Forests Act is designed to simplify environmental reviews for forest projects, enhance community resilience against wildfires, promote collaboration across various governmental levels, deter litigation that delays essential projects, prioritize treatment areas at high risk of wildfire, encourage state-of-the-art techniques among federal land managers, improve infrastructure safety related to powerlines, strengthen management tools like Good Neighbor Authority and Stewardship Contracting, and support wildland firefighters through continuity in casualty assistance programs.

This week marks an opportunity for Congress to consider this significant legislative effort aimed at mitigating wildfire risks nationwide.