ALEC Policy Champions: Congressmen Bruce Westerman and Scott Peters Lead Passage of Historic Fix Our Forests Act

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is proud to recognize House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Congressman Scott Peters (D-Calif.) as ALEC Policy Champions for their leadership in passing the Fix Our Forests Act. This groundbreaking bipartisan legislation marks a critical step toward proactive forest management, reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires, and protecting rural communities in the wildland-urban interface.

The Fix Our Forests Act, which passed the U.S. House by a bipartisan vote of 268-151, aims to expedite forest management projects by simplifying environmental reviews, fostering collaboration between federal, state, and tribal agencies, and curbing frivolous litigation that has delayed critical fire prevention efforts for too long.

Chairman Westerman expressed the urgency behind the bill’s passage:

“America’s forests are on life support after decades of mismanagement. The clock on these ticking time bombs is down to the final few seconds, and Congress must move swiftly to save our forests from imminent destruction.

The House took decisive action on the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act, which will empower local land managers and agencies with tools to enact the most vital forest management projects. The time to fix our forests is now.”

Congressman Peters echoed these sentiments, highlighting the dire need for reform, especially in states like California, which have suffered significant wildfire devastation. “Wildfires have already burned over 7.3 million acres across the United States in 2024,” Peters remarked. “They release over 1.7 billion tons of CO2 every year, cost billions in property damage, and endanger millions through smoke exposure. These numbers cannot speak to the heavy weight borne by those who have lost their homes and loved ones. San Diego knows this pain all too well. Last year, we commemorated the 20th anniversary of the devastating Cedar Fire. It is with the memory of those victims in mind that I introduced this legislation and fought for its passage in the House.”

The Fix Our Forests Act aligns with ALEC’s Resolution Urging Removal of Governmental Barriers to Active Forest Management by calling for critical reforms that prioritize forest health and safety. With the bill’s focus on reducing bureaucratic delays, empowering local and state collaboration, and promoting science-based management techniques, it sets a clear path forward for preventing future wildfire disasters.

By enabling quicker, more efficient action on forest restoration projects and deterring costly, time-consuming lawsuits, the bill creates a framework for prioritizing treatment of the most vulnerable forest areas. It also strengthens vital tools such as the Good Neighbor Authority and Stewardship Contracting, empowering local stakeholders to actively participate in maintaining their forests.

ALEC congratulates Chairman Bruce Westerman and Congressman Scott Peters for their remarkable bipartisan leadership on this critical issue. Their commitment to protecting America’s forests and communities represents a powerful step toward reducing the catastrophic impacts of wildfires and fostering resilient, healthy landscapes for generations to come.