Forest Protection Bills Pass House Natural Resources Committee

Two bills proposed by Congressman Tom McClintock aimed at forest protection and wildfire management have been passed by the House Natural Resources Committee. The Put Out the Fire Act and the Proven Forest Management Act aim to improve wildfire suppression and forest management practices within the National Forest System.

Key Takeaways:

• The Put Out the Fire Act requires the Forest Service to use all available resources to extinguish wildfires within 24 hours of detection.
• The Act also prohibits the Forest Service from inhibiting firefighting activities of state and local agencies in areas of jurisdiction.
• The Proven Forest Management Act expands the categorical exclusion for forest management projects within the National Forest System.
• The Proven Forest Management Act builds on the WINN Act signed into law by President Obama in 2016, which secured the categorical exclusion for the Tahoe Basin.
• Congressman Westerman, Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, applauds Congressman McClintock's leadership on the issue of forest protection and wildfire management.
• The Dragon Bravo wildfire in Grand Canyon National Park highlights the need for effective forest management and wildfire suppression practices.

Statistics:

• 24 hours: The timeframe within which the Forest Service must use all available resources to extinguish wildfires.
• 2016: The year in which President Obama signed the WINN Act into law, securing the categorical exclusion for the Tahoe Basin.
• 100%: The requirement for the Forest Service to use all available resources for wildfire suppression.
• 0%: The tolerance for allowing wildfires to spread beyond control, as highlighted by the Dragon Bravo wildfire.

Sources:

• United States House of Representatives -- Congressman Tom McClintock (Representing the 4th District of California)
• Full text of the Put Out the Fire Act
• Full text of the Proven Forest Management Act