Congressman Neguse, Senator Gallego Move Wildfire Mitigation Bill Through Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse’s Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act advanced through the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. In a Subcommittee Hearing, lawmakers received testimony on Neguse’s proposal to provide recommendations for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of wildfire mitigation across land ownership boundaries. The legislation is championed by Senator Gallego (D-AZ) in the United States 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 and wildfire legislation to become law this congress.. 

“The Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act closes gaps in current federal rules and regulations to enhance the capacity to mitigate wildfire risk, reduce the frequency and severity of wildfires, and protect vulnerable communities. Our critically important bill, rooted in the nonpartisan work of the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission, would benefit communities across the Rocky Mountain West. We’ll continue to work to advance this bipartisan bill in the House, and look forward to continuing our bicameral efforts to usher it across the finish line,” said Congressman Neguse.

“Arizona, like many western states, is a patchwork of state, federal, Tribal, and private land. If fires are moving across these lands faster than different levels of government can coordinate and prepare for them, the fire has the advantage. As our wildfire seasons grow longer and our wildfire landscapes change, we need stronger research and better coordination to manage these fires and keep communities safe. The Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act would help get us there by improving the working relationship between federal agencies and their state, Tribal, and local counterparts." Senator Gallego said at the hearing.

Neguse and Gallego teamed up earlier this year to introduce the Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act as part of a larger policy package to improve national wildfire mitigation, research, and management. This legislative package was derived from a 2024 report issued by the USDA’s Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission, which was created as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and tasked with outlining a holistic approach to addressing the rising threat of wildfires. A one-pager on the package and statements from endorsers can be found HERE and HERE. 

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.

###