The House Natural Resources Committee has advanced a land management bill that proponents say would expedite environmental reviews, deter “frivolous” lawsuits that delay thinning of overgrown forests, and use “fireshed mapping” to identify areas most at risk of wildfires.
The committee approved the Fix Our Forests Act, H.R. 8790, co-sponsored by chair Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Rep. Scott Peterson (D-Calif.), in a June 27 voice vote. The bill now goes to the House floor.
“It’s no secret that I’m passionate about implementing scientific forest management solutions and the Fix Our Forests Act is a pivotal step toward making America’s wooded areas healthier, more abundant, and resilient,” said Mr. Westerman, an engineer and forester by trade….