Bill > HJ35

This bill is a joint resolution urging federal authorities to modify wildfire management policies, addressing concerns about the U.S. Forest Service's current approach to wildfire suppression. The resolution calls for five key actions: (1) implementing aggressive initial attacks on wildfires on federal lands, especially when fires threaten private or state lands, urban interfaces, or air quality; (2) keeping forest roads open and accessible for management and fire suppression; (3) modifying EPA air-quality standards to include wildfire smoke, recognizing its harmful health and environmental impacts; (4) eliminating "let it burn" policies and ensuring strict adherence to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental assessment processes to preserve timberlands and reduce carbon emissions; and (5) allowing state and local governments more involvement in federal land and wildfire management to better protect at-risk resources and properties. The resolution highlights concerns about current federal forest management practices, including reduced timber harvesting, delayed fire suppression, and road closures, which the bill argues contribute to increased wildfire risks, environmental damage, and suppression costs. The bill also requires the Secretary of State to distribute this resolution to various federal and state government officials, including the President, Forest Service Chief, Congressional delegates, and governors of western states.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2199