Bipartisan Bill Looks To Promote Prescribed Fires

As communities face longer, hotter and more dangerous wildfire seasons, a bipartisan Senate bill aims to strengthen wildfire prevention efforts.  Oregon Democrat Jeff Merkley and Utah Republican John Curtis said their Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act would make it easier for states and communities to use prescribed fire to reduce hazardous fuels before they can feed catastrophic wildfires. 

 “As climate chaos fuels longer, hotter, and more dangerous wildfire seasons, our communities need to have all the necessary resources to mitigate wildfire threats," Merkley said.  "Prescribed fire and cultural burning on the landscape are one such tool by reducing hazardous fuels.  This bipartisan bill would streamline the use of prescribed burns and includes my provisions to establish the Smoke Ready Communities Program.  With our Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act passing the Senate, we are on the way to supporting more prescribed fire on the landscape, an essential forest management activity, while giving our communities the resources to plan and prepare for smoke events, protecting public health and saving lives.” 

The legislation, they added, would also protect ecosystems and wildlife habitat, support more efficient use of state air-quality resources, and provide communities with tools to prepare for wildfire smoke. 

The bill passed the Senate unanimously.  It now heads to the House.

Click Here to read the legislation.

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