The House of Representatives has passed the Fix Our Forests Act (FOFA), co-sponsored by Representatives Scott Peters (D-CA-50) and Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR-4).
The legislation, passed with a 279 to 141 vote, seeks to mitigate wildfire risks, restore forest health, and enhance fire-safety measures in vulnerable communities.
According to the office of House Representative Scott Peters, the act aims to reform forest management practices and expedite essential projects while maintaining environmental standards.
The bill responds to the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires in states like California, where recent decades have seen some of the largest and most deadly fires.
The FOFA includes provisions for enhanced community involvement and strategies to prevent wildfires by managing overgrown vegetation.
Representative Peters highlighted the urgency of addressing the wildfire crisis in a recent floor speech.
He said: “The wildfire crisis we’re seeing in California and all across the West is not just a product of inaction, but decades of wrongheaded land management that let our forests, wildlands, and hills turn into tinderboxes.”
Peters emphasized that the legislation aims to simplify and expedite critical forest management projects.
He noted that the bill would reduce litigation risks and improve opportunities for communities to contribute to forest management planning.
“The Fix Our Forests Act with Chair Westerman will simplify and expedite the most critical forest management projects while maintaining strong environmental standards,” he stated.
“This bill protects communities on the frontlines of the wildfire crisis. It helps localities in crafting modern, fire-resistant building codes.”
The Fix Our Forests Act proposes a range of measures aimed at reducing wildfire risks and improving forest management.
The act will simplify environmental reviews, reducing costs and delays for forest management projects.
A new interagency Fireshed Center will be established to provide real-time fire risk assessments and coordinate wildfire suppression efforts.
Additionally, the bill introduces the Community Wildfire Risk Reduction Program and Community Wildfire Defense Research Program, which will support innovative fire detection technologies and modern construction standards.
It also encourages public-private partnerships to manage fire-prone areas effectively.
The Fix Our Forests Act has garnered support from various stakeholders, including governmental, environmental, and industry groups.
Supporters include the National Congress of American Indians, the Western Fire Chiefs Association, and the National Association of Counties.
Environmental organizations and utility companies have also expressed their endorsement of the bill, highlighting its comprehensive approach to wildfire management.
Co-sponsors of the legislation include representatives from both major parties, reflecting bipartisan recognition of the wildfire crisis.
The act’s support across diverse groups underscores the widespread concern over the escalating impact of wildfires on communities and natural resources.
The Fix Our Forests Act (FOFA), passed by the House of Representatives with a 279 to 141 vote, seeks to address the growing wildfire crisis in the United States.
Co-sponsored by Representatives Scott Peters (D-CA-50) and Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR-4), the legislation aims to enhance forest management, reduce wildfire risks, and support community safety.
Key provisions include simplifying environmental reviews, establishing an interagency Fireshed Center, and creating programs for community wildfire risk reduction and defense.
The act has received support from a broad range of stakeholders, including the National Congress of American Indians and the Western Fire Chiefs Association.
The bipartisan nature of the bill highlights its recognition of the urgent need for action in managing the nation’s wildfire challenges.
