Press Releases

Washington, D.C. (July 9, 2015) – Today the U.S. House passed H.R. 2647: the Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2015. This bipartisan legislation would improve federal forest management practices by restoring fundamental land management capabilities to the U.S. Forest Service, such as routine thinning practices to improve forest health and reduce wildfire threats. The bill also implements a fiscally responsible mechanism to treat catastrophic wildfires equitably with other federally-recognized natural disasters.  

In response Western Caucus Chairman Cynthia Lummis (WY-at large) and bill sponsor Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04) issued the following statements:

“No one wants catastrophic wildfires to devastate our forests but the U.S. Forest Service has been tied in knots for decades, choking off active forest management that would stop wildfires before they start,” said Chairman Lummis. “This bill unties these knots to restore basic management stewardship that will prevent fire by promoting healthier, more resilient forests while encouraging local participation for common-sense management practices. I thank Mr. Westerman for his efforts on this bill that is especially critical to our forest communities throughout the country.” 

“The Resilient Federal Forests Act protects our national forests through proper management practices,” said Rep. Westerman. “It creates healthier forests, cleaner water, cleaner air, and protects the lives and property of Americans living in or near our national forests. I was pleased to see it pass the House. This bill came with bipartisan support in the House and the support of nearly 100 groups from California to Maine. I want to thank both Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) and Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ) for their support, as well as Chairman Bishop for his leadership in moving this bill through the Committee on Natural Resources.”

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