Department of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke
CNN
Within minutes of the deadly Camp Fire's ignition, several acres were ablaze as fire spotters stood by helplessly. While Capt. Matt McKenzie of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection responded quickly, firetrucks were unable to reach the blaze and helicopters and air tankers were grounded due to the timing and weather,… Read more »
By: Chairman Rob Bishop (R-Utah)
Deseret News
Charred landscapes, torched buildings and the loss of property and life. These are the consequences of massive wildfires. Most Americans in the Eastern United States aren’t acquainted with this type of destruction. However, these scenes are all too familiar for those of us who live in the West.
Congress and the U.S. Forest… Read more »
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2075, the Crooked River Ranch Fire Protection Act. Introduced by Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.), this bill makes necessary adjustments to the wilderness study areas adjacent to Crooked River Ranch in Oregon to reduce the risk of wildfire for the local community.
“Once again Congress is showing it is serious about protecting communities from… Read more »
Chairman Rob Bishop (R-Utah) issued the following statement today on the introduction of the 2018 farm bill, which includes forest management provisions that mirror H.R. 2936, the “Resilient Federal Forests Act,” which passed the Committee and the House with bipartisan support:
“It’s great to see that folks realize the job isn’t done on forest management reform. Millions of acres… Read more »
House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) issued the following statement today in response to voting no on the omnibus package passed by the House.
“When the process is broken and negotiations take place behind closed doors in the Capitol, liberals and special interests always seem to get their way. That’s what happened here.
“Democrats, especially in… Read more »
TO: Mr. Tony Tooke
FROM: Chairman Bruce Westerman
According to the National Interagency Fire Center more than 9.7 million acres were consumed by wildfires this past year, 49 percent more than the average for the last ten years. In addition to the tragic loss of life, this season's wildfires have destroyed thousands of homes and business, damaged popular recreation sites, produces… Read more »
Today, the House passed H.R. 2936, the “Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2017.” Introduced by Rep. Westerman (R-AR), the bipartisan bill reduces the risk of catastrophic wildfire and dramatically improves the health and resiliency of federal forests and grasslands.
“This year has proven to be another catastrophic year for wildfires. Dozens of lives have been lost, thousands of homes… Read more »
OP-ED: Congress at a Crossroads: We Can Prevent Further Wildfire Tragedy
Rep. Rob Bishop
Chairman, House Comittee on Natural Resources
Accounts from recent catastrophic wildfires in Northern California depict a terrifying scene:
“Hurtling down a mile-long dirt driveway, the wildfire closing in, Eli Monroe pulled to a stop at a crossroads. He sat for a moment with his girlfriend,… Read more »
Next week, the House will vote on H.R. 2936, the “Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2017.” Introduced by Rep. Westerman (R-AR), the bipartisan bill reduces the risk of catastrophic wildfire and dramatically improves the health and resiliency of federal forests and grasslands.
“Catastrophic wildfires rage every year on federal lands leaving communities in loss and despair. Next week, the… Read more »
Today, the House passed an emergency aid package for hurricane and wildfire relief. Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) issued the following statement:
“This is an essential package to aid the West with severe wildfire and communities on the mainland and our Territories devastated by hurricanes. Congress must remain committed to providing not only the resources but the statutory tools needed to… Read more »