Legislation aims to prevent wildfires

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers has taken a lead role in crafting legislative solutions in response to the Gray and Oregon Road fires.

One of the key bills championed by McMorris Rodgers is the Accelerating Collaborative Forest Ecosystem Restoration Act, designed to ensure federal land management agencies take proactive steps to reduce fuel available for wildfires on public lands.

By implementing comprehensive fuel reduction strategies, the goal of the bill is to lessen the intensity and frequency of wildfires, and protect communities, natural resources and wildlife habitats, the Spokane Republican said.

The act is not just about responding to wildfires; it’s about preventing, she said. It encourages collaboration between federal agencies, local communities and experts to develop effective fuel reduction plans and strategies.

McMorris Rodgers has also spearheaded the Emergency Wildfire Fighting Technology Act in the U.S. House.

The legislation focuses on deploying aerial technologies to enhance firefighting efforts, she said.

These technologies could include drones, firefighting aircraft and satellite-based monitoring systems.

By leveraging these tools, firefighters will have a better chance of containing wildfires before they grow out of control, minimizing damage to homes and ecosystems, she said.