The bill will improve forest management, reduce wildfire risk and protect critical infrastructure through federal, state, tribal and local collaboration.
This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8790, the “Fix Our Forests Act of 2024." The threat of severe wildfire has been increasing across many states, particularly in the West, and Congress is beginning to take action to mitigate that exposure.
The bill was sponsored by the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Arkansas), and Rep. Scott Peters (D-California). It would improve forest management, reduce wildfire risk and protect critical infrastructure through federal, state, tribal and local collaboration.
The bill also seeks to eliminate legal and regulatory obstacles, streamline forest management projects and encourage active management to protect powerlines and other critical infrastructure.
In 2021, Congress formed the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission to tackle increasing wildfire threats, bringing together representatives from federal agencies, local governments and the private sector. The “Fix Our Forests Act" aligns with the Commission's recommendations, focusing on reducing forest fuel loads, hardening infrastructure, and promoting fire-resistant building standards, while advancing scientific research to improve wildfire resiliency.
During the bill's markup in June, Rep. Westerman emphasized the urgent need for improved forest management to reduce wildfire risks and highlighted how mismanagement has led to devastating fires. The bill was favorably passed out of committee by voice vote, proving that the wildfire problem goes beyond political affiliations.
The Big “I," along with the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies and Reinsurance Association of America sent a joint letter to Congress, advocating for the passage of this bill.
Currently, the bill does not have companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. As any wildfire-related legislation makes its way through Congress, the Big “I" will continue to provide members with updates in the weekly News & Views e-newsletter.
Corey Miller is Big “I" director of federal government affairs.
