Congressman Neguse, Senator Cortez Masto Move Wildfire Prevention Bill Through Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse, co-chair of the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, advanced the Western Wildfire Support Act through the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. In a Subcommittee Hearing, lawmakers received testimony on Neguse’s proposal to provide comprehensive resources to prevent wildfires, enhance firefighting efforts, and support communities impacted by year-round wildfire seasons. The bill is championed by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) in the U.S. Senate.

The hearing was previously delayed by the Republican Shutdown, but public reporting notes that the subcommittee’s consideration of over two dozen public lands and wildfire bills signals a revived hope for public lands legislation to become law this congress. 

“With fires raging year-round, it is more important than ever that we equip at-risk communities across the western United States with the support they need to confront the escalating dangers posed by natural disasters.  I’m hopeful that commonsense will prevail and that this bill will finally be given full consideration. It’s past time for us to work together to provide urgent support to the firefighters, businesses, and families impacted by wildfires,” said Congressman Neguse. 

“Communities in the West need support preventing and combatting wildfires now – there is no time to waste,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I am glad to see my bipartisan, bicameral bill moving through the legislative process, and I urge my colleagues in both the House and the Senate to deliver these much-needed resources to wildland fire fighters and local governments.” 

Neguse and Cortez Masto collaborated earlier this year to introduce the Western Wildfire Support Act which improves on three key tenets: preparation, suppression, and recovery. The bill addresses each by authorizing funding for cutting-edge firefighting equipment, creating new training programs for federal and local firefighters, and supporting recovery efforts across wildfire-impacted landscapes and surrounding communities — implementing several priorities recommended by Colorado wildfire officials and local stakeholders. 

Background

Congressman Joe Neguse, who co-chairs the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, has led the charge in helping communities better prepare for and mitigate wildfire risk, as well as ensuring they have access to the resources they need to recover. Last month, Neguse was named the most effective Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives in both the Environment and Public Lands policy areas for the 118th Congress. A recognition that reflects his work to successfully enact bills that bolster disaster response and preparedness, promote the preservation of public lands, and more.

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