Last week, NBC Nightly News highlighted the wildfires burning throughout the United States. There are currently 39 fires in 11 states. The map below shows location and proximity of the current fires. This year is on track to be a record year for wildfires. Watch Here:

Reporting H.R. 1526 Out of Committee (Passed by Voice Vote) This bill renews the federal government’s commitment to manage federal forests for the benefit of rural schools and counties, improves forest health, and helps prevent catastrophic wildfires. Hastings ANS – Forest Package Legislation (Passed by Voice Vote) This amendment combined several proposals to address the forest… Read more »

Reporting H.R. 1459 Out of Committee (Passed 26-14. View Roll Call Vote) This bill would the Antiquities Act to require that the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) apply to presidential declarations. This bill prevents future abuse and backdoor maneuvers to lock up lands without local input. Grijalva Amendment .025 – Undermines Legislation and Exempts Unilateral Presidential… Read more »

H. Rept. 113-166 Read more »

H. Rept. 113-167 Read more »

Dear Director Mathews Burwell, Secretary Vilsack, and Chief Tidwell: A letter was sent to the Office of Management and Budget ("OMB") on May 20, 2013 requesting information about the Forest Service's ("Service") decision demanding that states repay Secure Rural Schools Program ("SRS") funds. OMB missed the Committee's June 3, 2013 deadline for response. The original letter sought… Read more »

The National Park Service (NPS) is currently drafting a plan to determine the future of the Merced River in Yosemite National Park. Earlier this week, the Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation heard from witnesses regarding this plan that could permanently remove several recreational amenities that have long been a staple for visitors to the Merced River floodplain.… Read more »

National forests are in an unhealthy and dangerous state resulting in larger and more intense wildfires. In 2012, wildfires burned 9.3 million acres, while the U.S. Forest Service only harvested approximately 200,000 acres. This means that 44 times as many acres burned as were responsibly harvested and restored. According to the U.S. Forest Service, 65-82 million acres of Forest Service… Read more »

Today, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation held an oversight hearing on the “Public Impact of Closing Amenities at Yosemite National Park.” The hearing examined the impact of the Merced River Plan on tourists, local economies and the environment. Yosemite National Park, formally established in 1890, is an American recreational treasure.… Read more »

H. Rept. 113-145 Read more »