‘Game-Changer for Nature: Fix Our Forests Act, Backed by Reps. Gosar and Crane, Clears House!

By Matthew Holloway |

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the ‘Fix Our Forests Act’ on Tuesday, with a decisive 268-151 vote. This bipartisan legislation, spearheaded by Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and co-sponsored by Congressman Paul Gosar (R-AZ) and Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ), aims to improve the health of America’s forests. The vote saw 55 Democrats joining the Republican majority, allowing the bill to advance to the Senate.

Spanning 117 million acres, U.S. forests face significant threats from overgrowth and wildfires, necessitating active management. The act is designed specifically to streamline the approval process for crucial forestry management and fire prevention measures, particularly vital for Northern Arizona’s high-desert landscapes.

According to a statement from Crane’s office, the core objectives of the Fix Our Forests Act include:

• Simplifying environmental reviews to reduce costs and planning times, while keeping strict environmental standards intact.
• Eliminating frivolous lawsuits that hinder vital forest management projects.
• Leveraging cutting-edge science to prioritize at-risk forest treatments.
• Promoting forest management initiatives covering up to 10,000 acres.
• Facilitating collaboration among federal, state, tribal, and local entities through the establishment of a new Fireshed Center.
• Enhancing community resilience to wildfires by coordinating grant programs and fostering new research.
• Equipping agencies with tools to restore watersheds and protect vulnerable communities.
• Bolstering rural economies using measures like the Good Neighbor Authority and Stewardship Contracting.
• Implementing innovative technologies to combat threats to forest health.
• Strengthening utility rights-of-way against wildfires.

The Biden administration has expressed significant opposition to the legislation, warning that it could undermine key environmental protections. A White House statement indicated that the bill could escalate conflicts and delay essential forest restoration efforts, suggesting the possibility of a presidential veto should it pass in the Senate.

Westerman voiced urgency regarding forest management, stating, “America’s forests are on life support after decades of mismanagement. The time to fix our forests is now.” Meanwhile, Crane took to social media to express his support for the act, highlighting its potential benefits for Arizona’s communities.

This bill garnered backing from 17 Republican co-sponsors, along with support from six Democrats, and now awaits consideration in the Senate.

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. For the latest updates, follow him on X or reach out with tips at Matthew@azfreenews.com.