Position on the Re-Introduction of H.R. 471 – The Fix Our Forests Act
The Federation of American Scientists supports H.R. 471, the re-introduction of the Fix Our Forests Act. In the wake of the ongoing and devastating Los Angeles wildfires, we urge the House of Representatives to swiftly pass this bill on strong bipartisan margins much like they did in September 2024.
“Failing to address the root causes of devastating wildfires is a policy choice. As the crisis in Los Angeles shows, it’s a choice we can no longer afford,” said Daniel Correa, Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of American Scientists. “The Fix Our Forests Act takes important steps to confront these disasters. FAS particularly supports the creation of the Fireshed Center, which would provide first responders with science-backed decision-support tools, and serve as a nerve center to embed and deploy critical technology across the entire wildfire lifecycle of prevention, suppression, and recovery.”
FAS championed important provisions of the Fix our Forests Act, such as essential reforms needed to improve fuel management as well as support for cutting edge-innovations in science and technology. These provisions include:
- Section 117 – Utilizing livestock grazing for wildfire risk reduction, including fuels reduction and postfire recovery.
- Sections 201 and 202 – Creating the Community Wildfire Risk Reduction Program.
- Section 301 – Establishing a partnership program for biochar demonstration projects to support development and commercialization.
- Section 302 – Implementing accurate reporting systems for hazardous fuels reduction progress.
- Section 401 – Establishing a wildland fire management casualty assistance program.
“The science is clear: tackling the wildfire crisis means better forest management, including increased use of beneficial fire and new technologies to scale fuels reduction. The Fix Our Forests Act will get this work done by establishing the Fireshed Center and through other smart provisions. FAS urges Congress to take bipartisan action now and pass this bill.” said James Campbell, Wildfire Policy Specialist at the Federation of American Scientists.
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