Washington, DC – Yesterday, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee advanced the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act (WEPA) with a unanimous vote. This bipartisan legislation aims to give states and land managers greater flexibility to use prescribed fire to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires.
“Catastrophic wildfires are devastating for communities, lands, and local economies,” said ConservAmerica Head of Policy and Government Affairs Jason Solomon. “Federal policy shouldn’t make it harder for states to manage their own lands and to take action before disaster strikes. Prescribed fire is an important tool for reducing hazardous fuels and improving the health and resilience of our forests. The Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act recognizes that reality and gives states a more workable path to manage risk while maintaining important air-quality protections.
“We commend Roosevelt Conservation Caucus members Sen. Curtis (R-UT), Sen. Moore Capito (R-WV), and the rest of the committee for working across the aisle to advance this important legislation and urge the Senate to build on this momentum and bring it to the floor for passage.”
Earlier this summer ConservAmerica wrote an opinion piece on this legislation: Wildfire prevention needs a better federal framework.