The House Committee on Natural Resources today held a full committee markup and favorably reported the Fix Our Forests Act. Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued a statement in response to the legislation's progress.

"America’s forests are in desperate need of management, and it’s time to take immediate action. Onerous regulations and weaponization of environmental laws have turned our forests into ticking time bombs. Fortunately, the Fix Our Forests Act is a bipartisan solution that will apply the best possible science and empower America's land managers with the necessary tools to make our incredible forests healthier and more resilient for generations to come," said Westerman.

The Fix Our Forests Act is described as a historic and comprehensive legislative package aimed at encouraging active forest management and protecting communities in the wildland-urban interface. The bill focuses on scientific solutions to address growing problems facing America’s federal forests by eliminating frivolous litigation and reducing red tape that has hindered land management agencies from effectively managing forest areas.

Key provisions of the bill include promoting collaboration among federal, state, tribal, and local entities; improving community resilience to wildfire; incentivizing new research; ending litigation that delays critical forest management projects; applying advanced science and tools to treat high-risk wildfire areas; and encouraging active management to protect powerlines and other critical infrastructure.

For further information about the Fix Our Forests Act, interested parties can find additional details online.