Today, Congressional Western Caucus members celebrated the House passage of the Fix Our Forests Act, which passed by a bipartisan vote of 279-141.
“I’m glad to see the House move swiftly to pass the Fix Our Forests Act,” said Chairman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01). “There is no time to waste on implementing measures to combat catastrophic wildfires. The Fix Our Forests Act is a big step toward properly maintaining our forests and reducing wildfire risk. I’m happy to support this critical legislation and hope to see it pass the Senate and become law soon.”
"Congress is once again coming together and passing long overdue reforms to bring commonsense back into forest management,” said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04). “In the wake of the horrific wildfires in Southern California, it is clear there is no more time to waste. Today, the House took action to prevent future catastrophes as we passed the Fix Our Forests Act, which will empower land managers and agencies to use science-based tools to restore health to our nation’s forests and turn the tide against this historic wildfire crisis."
“As we have seen with wildfires out West over the years, it’s imperative to empower land managers and agencies with tools to reduce wildfire risk,” said Vice Chair Tom Tiffany (WI-07). “The Fix Our Forests Act will reduce bureaucratic red tape and promote local, state, and federal collaboration to ensure our forests are healthy and resilient for generations to come.”
“The Fix Our Forests Act is exactly what Utahns need to better manage our lands,” said Executive Vice Chair Celeste Maloy (UT-02). “This legislation removes red tape slowing down forest management and strengthens Utah's ability to prevent wildfires and make them less destructive. Overall, this bill will protect communities and make our forests more resilient so Utahns can enjoy them for decades to come.”
“The Fix Our Forests Act could prevent tragedies like those in California by providing land managers and firefighters with critical tools to restore forest health and build resiliency in communities near these high-risk areas,” said Vice Chair Michelle Fischbach (MN-07). “Local leaders in California knew the region, now engulfed in flames, was a high-risk area, yet they did nothing to prepare responsibly for the inevitable. Because of failed management like this, the Fix Our Forests Act is not just sensible but necessary.”
“Dangerous and anti-science forestry decisions have allowed massive amounts of fire and environmental damages across the country,” said Vice Chair Jeff Hurd (CO-03). “I am proud to stand with leaders like Chairman Westerman in supporting the Fix Our Forests Act. Colorado 3 is home to some of the most beautiful forests in the country, and the passage of this bill will ensure we will protect them for generations to come.”
“This legislation delivers a much-needed revitalization to the way we approach forest health,” said Vice Chair Dan Newhouse (WA-04). “It enhances our abilities to prevent catastrophic wildfires, loosens the grip of the federal government on local forest managers, all while cutting costs for projects and upholding common-sense conservation standards. I am proud of the Western Caucus’ efforts on this issue and look forward to working with Chairman LaMalfa on new ways to enhance forest management going forward.”
“The Fix Our Forests Act uses innovative solutions to safeguard both our environment and our communities,” said Vice Chair Jay Obernolte (CA-23). “By embracing modern technology such as real-time monitoring, AI-driven data analysis, and early warning systems, we can revolutionize how we detect and prevent wildfires. These tools, combined with streamlined processes for wildfire prevention and responsible forest management, will allow us to act swiftly to reduce risks, protect homes, and ensure our forests thrive for generations to come. This bill is a critical step toward building a more resilient and sustainable future for Americans."
“Thank you to Natural Resources Committee Chairman Westerman for reintroducing the Fix Our Forests Act,” said Vice Chair Aumua Amata Radewagen (American Samoa-AL). “Our nation’s beautiful forests mean so much to our great country. American Samoa is covered with tropical rainforest, but our firefighters have responded repeatedly to the call to help contain western wildfires. The goal of good forest management is to preserve more trees for the future.”
“It’s clear our forest management practices need to be reformed,” said Vice Chair Adrian Smith (NE-03). “Western timberland, including the Nebraska National Forest, is under threat from multi-year drought and wildfires. However, we can implement science-backed solutions to improve disaster prevention and protect Americans who live in impacted communities. As a Western Caucus vice chair, I was glad to support passage of this bill to modernize conservation practices, streamline cooperation between state and local authorities, and enhance firefighting efforts.”
“Without proper forest management, our nation will continue to experience catastrophic wildfires like the ones that are currently raging in California,” said Vice Chair Pete Stauber (MN-08). “It is abundantly clear that immediate action is necessary, which is why I was proud to cosponsor and vote for the Fix Our Forests Act. This commonsense legislation will usher in a new era of better forest management by streamlining NEPA reviews, prioritizing hazardous fuels reduction activities in high-risk firesheds, and adopting new technologies to address forest health threats and suppress wildfires more efficiently. I urge the Senate to consider this bipartisan legislation quickly.”
"The Fix Our Forests Act is a collaboration of ideas from districts with federal forests and puts all the solutions in one beautiful bill,” said Vice Chair Ryan Zinke (MT-01). “Public lands have been mismanaged by bureaucrats and now we’re at a critical point. We need to get back to a science based management for largest sustainable yield, as outlined by the great conservationists Teddy Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot, before we lose more acres of forest, property, and lives to preventable fires.”
“When it comes to safeguarding our families, firefighters, and forests, we cannot afford inaction,” said Rep. Nick Begich (AK-AL). “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.”
“The Peach State is proud of our beautiful public lands, among them is the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest,” said Rep. Buddy Carter (GA-01). “The Fix Our Forests Act will give additional resources to the Bureau of Land Management so that it can efficiently protect our rich natural landscapes for generations to come.”
“Montanans are no stranger to the challenges of wildfire and forest management,” said Rep. Troy Downing (MT-02). “Through my time on the Montana Land Board, I became acutely aware of the importance of proper land management to the health and longevity of our forests. The Fix Our Forests Act is a step in the right direction towards preventing future wildfires and keeping American lands safe and beautiful. I commend Chairman Westerman on spearheading this timely effort.”
“In the wake of the disaster in California, there are few pieces of legislation as impactful as this one,” said Rep. Jake Ellzey (TX-06). “This bill will not only help reduce the risks of catastrophic wildfires, but also expedite critical restoration efforts and protect our communities by removing administrative hurdles. Together, with our state and tribal partners, we will ensure that our nation’s forests are managed responsibly, sustainably, and efficiently.”
“Our hearts go out to the people of California who continue to fight fires and rebuild their lives in the wake of massive devastation. As the Chair of the Housing & Insurance Subcommittee, I want them to know we are working for them in Washington for change,” said Rep. Mike Flood (NE-01). “The consequences of poor forest management can be dramatic and unfortunately California serves as a prime example of this. Misguided policies, fueled by the aspirations of environmental activists, have exacerbated the wildfires, leaving thousands of Californians without homes. We must do everything we can to limit the risks of this happening again. The Fix Our Forests Act is a step toward making our forest management more efficient, and I want to thank my colleagues for supporting this commonsense legislation.”
“In California, we know all too well the destruction from a fire season that is year-round and never ends,” said Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20). “Counties in my district have experienced catastrophic wildfires over the years and know the devastation it brings to our communities. The Fix Our Forests Act will ensure needed forest and vegetation management to help control these megafires to keep our communities safe. Thank you to Chairman Westerman and the Natural Resources Committee for your leadership on this lifesaving legislation.”
“Over the past few weeks, we have seen the devastation that forest fires can cause,” said Rep. Russell Fry (SC-07). “The Fix Our Forests Act will provide support for forest restoration projects, firefighters, and technologies that address forest fires. The passage of this legislation on the House floor is a crucial step to help our country recover from these natural disasters."
“The wildfires that are still burning in California are a heartbreaking reminder that the risk was known and to a large degree could have been prevented,” said Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ-09). “Sadly, the biggest obstacle to scientifically proven and responsible forest management through thinning forests and removing fuel is opposition by the forest-rabid environmentalists. The Fix Our Forests Act simplifies and expedites environmental reviews to reduce costs and planning times for critical forest management projects, prioritizes the forests that are at the highest risk of wildfire and improves the health and resiliency of America’s forests, addressing overgrown areas prone to fires through active management.”
“The Fix Our Forests Act is a critical step toward protecting communities from devastating wildfires like those we’ve seen ravage California,” said Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09). “By promoting active forest management and expediting restoration projects, this legislation addresses the root causes of these disasters and ensures healthier, more resilient forests. I’m proud to support this proactive legislation, which safeguards lives, property, and the biodiversity of our nation’s forests for future generations.”
“A managed forest is a healthy forest,” said Rep. Dusty Johnson (SD-AL). “When faced with wildfires, diseases, or insects, a properly maintained forest can minimize the damage. The Fix Our Forests Act will help cut through the red tape to help our forests thrive. I’m proud to have supported this legislation and voted in favor when it passed the House.”
“This legislation is crucial for streamlining permitting processes, which will allow us to expedite forest management activities,” said Rep. Mike Kennedy (UT-03). “By accelerating these efforts, we can reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires and promote healthier, more sustainable ecosystems for future generations.”
“Restoring the health of our forests isn’t just about protecting trees — it’s about safeguarding our communities, wildlife, and water supplies for generations to come,” said Rep. Kevin Kiley (CA-03). “The Fix Our Forests Act will increase resiliency to catastrophic wildfires, and protect communities by expediting environmental analyses, reducing frivolous lawsuits, and increasing the pace and scale of forest restoration projects. The Fix Our Forests Act will provide agencies with critical tools to implement the most vital forest management projects immediately. I am grateful to see this bill pass with bipartisan support, and I hope it will soon pass in the Senate and be signed into law.”
“With wildfires continuing to ravage communities like those in Los Angeles, Republicans are ending the destructive policies that allowed these areas burn to the ground,” said Rep. Mark Messmer (IN-08). “Congress must supply foresters and wildfire response teams with the tools and flexibility they need to protect American families, businesses, and communities from devastating fires. The Fix our Forests Act addresses the failures of current forest management plans and puts back in charge the experts who know best what is needed to prevent future fire disasters.”
“Utah’s forests and the communities that rely on them are central to what makes our state so special,” said Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04). “The Fix Our Forests Act takes a proactive, common-sense approach to combating the growing threat of wildfires. By clearing away bureaucratic red tape, prioritizing local decision making, and embracing innovative solutions, this legislation equips states like Utah to safeguard our lands, strengthen rural economies, and ensure a safer future.”
“Americans across the country have tragically been victims of the devastation that wildfires can cause,” said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11). “Congress must prioritize effective forest management, which is why I am proud to support the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act that will restore forest health, mitigate wildfires, and protect at-risk communities. Thank you to the House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman for his leadership on this critical legislation.”
“Over 117 million acres of our nation’s forests are dangerously overgrown and fire-prone, putting lives and communities at risk,” said Rep. David Valadao (CA-22). “The Fix Our Forests Act takes critical steps to address the growing wildfire crisis by streamlining forest management, prioritizing prevention, and adopting new technologies to fight forest health threats. I’m proud to have joined my colleagues in passing this bill and want to thank House Natural Resources Committee Chairman, Bruce Westerman (AR-04), for his leadership on the issue.”
“We have seen the devastating consequences of catastrophic wildfires across the country,” said Rep. Tim Walberg (MI-05). “The Fix Our Forests Act represents a commonsense solution to restore our forests’ health and make our communities more resilient to wildfires by providing agencies with the tools necessary to implement critical forest management projects.”
"I am proud to co-sponsor the Fix Our Forests Act,” said Rep. Tony Wied (WI-08). “In light of the devastation caused by California wildfires, now is the time to pass this bill, which will enhance our resilience to wildfires, restore the health of our forests and protect our communities."
“Decades of mismanagement have left our forests vulnerable, turning them into tinderboxes waiting for someone to strike a match,” said Rep. Rob Wittman (VA-01). “Virginia is blessed with abundant natural resources, including beautiful forests that we have a duty to protect. As vice chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee and a cosponsor of the Fix Our Forests Act, I am proud to see this bipartisan legislation pass the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill will restore forest health, reduce wildfire risks, protect communities, and streamline forest restoration efforts by improving environmental analyses and curbing frivolous lawsuits.”
Background:
The Fix Our Forests Act will:
- Simplify and expedite environmental reviews for forest management projects without reducing environmental standards.
- End needless delays to forest management activities by stopping senseless litigation.
- Promote collaboration between federal, state, tribal and local officials, and innovative technologies to better actively manage forests.
The Fix Our Forests Act passed the House in the 118th Congress by a bipartisan vote of 268-151.
