Bipartisan Support for Fix Our Forests Act Continues to Grow

U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper's Fix Our Forests Act has gained significant support from western governors, the Southern Ute Tribe, and various water management and conservation organizations. The bipartisan legislation aims to strengthen forest management, support fire-safe communities, and streamline approvals for projects that protect communities and ecosystems from extreme wildfires. Key stakeholders have praised the bill's comprehensive approach to addressing the wildfire crisis, with many voicing their support through letters and public statements.

Key Takeaways:

• The Fix Our Forests Act has garnered support from western governors, including Governors Polis, Gianforte, Cox, and Newsom, who have signed a joint letter of support for the legislation.
• The Southern Ute Indian Tribe, a key stakeholder in the region, has expressed strong support for the bill, citing its efforts to address the Tribe's long and challenging fire seasons.
• Various water management and conservation organizations, including the Colorado River District, the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, and the Southwestern Water Conservation District, have also expressed support for the bill.
• The Fix Our Forests Act has gained endorsements from over 60 organizations, including the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and the Environmental Defense Fund.
• The bill's comprehensive approach includes improving forest management, supporting fire-safe communities, and streamlining approvals for projects that protect communities and ecosystems from extreme wildfires.
• Key proponents of the bill, including Senator Hickenlooper and Senator Curtis, have emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation to address the growing wildfire crisis and its impact on communities and ecosystems.

Statistics:

• Over 60 organizations have endorsed the Fix Our Forests Act, representing a broad coalition of stakeholders from various sectors.
• The bill has garnered support from western governors, who have expressed a shared concern for the impact of the wildfire crisis on their communities.
• The Southern Ute Indian Tribe has expressed a strong commitment to working with Senator Hickenlooper and other stakeholders to address the wildfire crisis in the region.
• The Colorado River District has highlighted the critical role of forest health in maintaining the reliability of the Colorado River system, which supplies water to 40 million people.
• The Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District has emphasized the importance of passage of the Fix Our Forests Act in achieving watershed resiliency and protecting critical water supplies.

Sources:

• John Hickenlooper, "Fix Our Forests Act Gains Support from Western Governors," press release, n.d.
• Western Governors' Association, "Letter of Support for the Fix Our Forests Act," signed by Governors Polis, Gianforte, Cox, and Newsom, July 12, 2023
• Southern Ute Indian Tribe, "Letter of Support for the Fix Our Forests Act," signed by Chairman Melvin J. Baker, July 10, 2023
• Colorado River District, "Letter of Support for the Fix Our Forests Act," July 14, 2023
• Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, "Letter of Support for the Fix Our Forests Act," July 17, 2023
• Southwestern Water Conservation District, "Letter of Support for the Fix Our Forests Act," July 20, 2023