More Logging Needed to Combat Wildfires, California Official Says

[Geee]

Heartland:

Western states have faced severe wildfire seasons in recent years. This year was no exception, prompting officials in many states to bemoan the growing threats wildfires pose to the environment and economy. A multi-year drought in the region has resulted in 14 wildfires scorching more than 183 square miles of timber and brush along the borders of California and Oregon.

 

Amid the destruction and millions of dollars spent, officials are analyzing how best to reduce and fight the number and severity of wildfires, including logging as an option.

 

Senate Wildfire Hearings

 

On July 15 the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on wildfires and pending legislation that would reform funding for wildfire suppression.

 

The “Wildfire Preparedness & Forest Service 2015 Fiscal Year Budget” hearing featured legislators, officials from local forestry departments, and federal land managers. It highlighted two pending bills addressing funding: the FLAME Act Amendments of 2014 (S.2593) and the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act (S.1875).