Forest Management Reform Measure Clears House, Awaits Senate Action

Press Release

Today, Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte helped secure passage of legislation that provides for comprehensive forest management reform. The bill addresses the growing economic and environmental threats of catastrophic wildfire.

The U.S. House of Representatives today approved the bipartisan Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2017 with a bipartisan vote of 232-188. Gianforte cosponsored the measure and actively supported the bill through coalition building among local leaders in Montana, congressional floor speeches, and congressional hearings.

"The Resilient Federal Forests Act provides common sense reforms that will benefit Montana's forests, economy, and environment. Meaningful forest management will improve the health of our forests, boost wildlife habitats, create good-paying Montana jobs, and reduce the severity of our wildfires," Congressman Gianforte said. "The amount of public support for more active forest management has been tremendous. Conservation organizations, foresters, stakeholders, and local leaders throughout Montana recognize the need for better forest management, and I commend them for taking steps to help ensure we start managing our forests again. I will continue to advocate for healthier forests in Montana and throughout the West. I encourage the Senate to act quickly on this bill to provide Montanans with relief and a long-term solution to address catastrophic wildfires."

Chairman Rob Bishop (R, Utah) of the House Committee on Natural Resources said, "Since joining the Committee, Rep. Gianforte has worked tirelessly to urge action on reforms to improve forest health and reduce fire severity. I thank him for his work to elevate and advance the objectives enshrined in this bill to promote greater collaboration at all levels and empower scientifically-backed forest management. Through the advocacy of Gianforte and others, we have a chance to get these important reforms signed into law and protect communities of Montana and across the West from this growing threat."

Congressman Bruce Westerman (R, Ark.), a trained forester who participated in forest management reform discussions in Montana, introduced the legislation. He said, "This year has proven to be another catastrophic year for wildfires. Dozens of lives have been lost, thousands of homes destroyed, and millions of acres burned. Congress spoke today and said enough is enough. We must do what is right for our environment and stop these catastrophic wildfires. I thank Speaker Ryan, Leader McCarthy, and Chairman Bishop for their leadership on this issue and I thank my co-sponsors on both sides of the aisle."

U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R, Mont.) said, "We need forest management reform to address the problem of wildfires and get loggers back to work. Congressman Gianforte is the leader Montana needs in the House of Representatives to get forest management reform across the finish line."

The Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2017 reforms how our forests are managed by streamlining the environmental reviews of projects to remove dead trees to pay for reforestation after large wildfires, utilizing tools to mitigate insect and disease infestation, and improving the health of forests and grasslands to reduce the threat of severe wildfires. The legislation rewards collaboration among stakeholders and encourages all parties to come to the table early by providing a new arbitration pilot project to prevent frivolous, obstructionist lawsuits. The measure also permanently ends the problem of "fire borrowing" in which federal agencies borrow from other accounts after depleting their firefighting budgets. The current practice reduces funds that should go to preventing catastrophic wildfires.

Throughout the 2017 fire season, Gianforte toured five fires and received briefings from incident commanders, and Gianforte met with local officials, key conservation groups, and other stakeholders to work on solutions for healthier forests.

Serving as a strong voice for Montana in Washington, Gianforte drew Washington's attentions to wildfires in Montana. Gianforte also helped secure $576.5 million in wildfire disaster relief. House Speaker Paul D. Ryan praised Gianforte for his successful efforts: "Greg has been a strong advocate for wildfire resources for Montana in the midst of this devastating fire season. He was a leader from the West who helped make sure needed funds were provided for in this package."

Gianforte spoke on the House floor today in support of the legislation.

The measure moves to the Senate for consideration and action.