Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB2867

Introduced
9/20/23  
Refer
9/20/23  

Caption

Promoting Effective Forest Management Act of 2024

Impact

The proposed legislation is set to have significant implications for state laws regarding land management and environmental protection. By potentially overriding existing regulations to facilitate quicker fuel reduction and restoration projects, the bill prioritizes wildfire defense mechanisms at the expense of traditional environmental oversight. It also calls for mandatory carbon accounting measures and annual reporting requirements, which can alter how state and federal agencies manage forest ecosystems and financial appropriations. This initiative may further incentivize environmentally restorative practices while simultaneously commercializing timber sales and grazing strategies.

Summary

Senate Bill 2867 aims to enhance wildfire management through a series of provisions designed to reduce hazardous fuels, promote forest restoration, and streamline regulatory processes. The bill mandates the use of existing authorities for environmental reviews on Federal lands and emphasizes the importance of utilizing livestock grazing as a tool for wildfire risk reduction. Additionally, the bill seeks to improve workforce development aNotesong logging practices and establish programs to better train individuals entering the logging industry, thereby addressing labor shortages in this crucial sector. It also emphasizes equitable access to rental housing for wildland firefighters.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 2867 appears to be mixed. Supporters advocate for proactive measures to combat escalating wildfire threats, characterizing the bill as a necessary step toward safeguarding communities and natural resources. Conversely, critics express concern over the potential erosion of environmental protections and the prioritization of commercial interests over ecological balance. This division underscores an ongoing national debate about the best strategies for managing public lands and natural resources in a time of increasing climate-related challenges.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between necessary wildfire risk reduction and the preservation of existing environmental regulations. Some stakeholders fear that the bill’s provisions on expedited logging and grazing may compromise the integrity of federal lands and biodiversity. Debates center around whether the benefits of immediate action against wildfires justify the long-term risks of reducing regulatory oversight, which historically has protected ecosystems on Federal land.

Companion Bills

US HB7666

Related To require the Secretary of Agriculture to develop a strategy to increase opportunities to utilize livestock grazing as a means of wildfire risk reduction.

Previously Filed As

US HB3444

Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act of 2025

US HB8790

Fix Our Forests Act

US HB471

Fix Our Forests Act

US SB2991

America’s Revegetation and Carbon Sequestration Act of 2024

US HB5665

Promoting Accessibility on Federal Lands Act of 2024

US HB6882

PREPARE Act of 2023 Preparedness and Risk Management for Extreme Weather Patterns Assuring Resilience and Effectiveness Act of 2023

US HB188

Proven Forest Management Act of 2022 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA), when conducting a forest management activity on National Forest System land, to coordinate with impacted parties to increase efficiency and maximize the compatibility of management practices across such land. USDA shall conduct such an activity on National Forest System land in a manner that attains multiple ecosystem benefits, including reducing forest fuels and maintaining biological diversity. However, a forest management activity shall not be conducted if the costs associated with attaining such benefits are excessive. Additionally, the USDA shall (1) establish any post-program ground condition criteria for a ground disturbance caused by a forest management activity required by the applicable forest plan, and (2) provide for monitoring to ascertain the attainment of relevant post-program conditions. The bill categorically excludes certain forest management activities for reducing forest fuels from certain environmental impact requirements. USDA or the Department of the Interior, as appropriate, in conjunction with land adjustment programs, may enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with a qualified entity to provide for fuel reduction, erosion control, reforestation, Stream Environment Zone restoration, and similar management activities on federal lands and nonfederal lands within such programs.

US HB5439

National Risk Management Act of 2023

US SB1366

Forest Incentives Program Act of 2023

US SB3593

Truckee Meadows Public Lands Management Act

Similar Bills

US HB1923

Modernizing Wildfire Safety and Prevention Act of 2025

US HB743

Tim’s Act Tim Hart Wildland Firefighter Classification and Pay Parity Act

US HB8656

Modernizing Wildfire Safety and Prevention Act of 2024

US SB1462

Fix Our Forests Act

US SB4343

Fire Ready Nation Act of 2024

US SB306

Fire Ready Nation Act of 2025This bill provides statutory authority for existing wildfire response services of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and establishes new programs and collaborative efforts to improve fire forecasting and readiness.  Specifically, in addition to other efforts, the bill directs NOAA to establish a coordinated fire weather services program to support readiness for and responsiveness to wildfires, fire weather, smoke, post-fire flooding and debris, and related hazards;develop a digital presence to promote access to and use of the services, tools, data, and information produced by the fire weather services program;establish a fire weather test bed to facilitate the evaluation and implementation of new capabilities, including through research and development on the use of uncrewed aircraft systems (commonly known as drones) to improve data collection;conduct an annual assessment after the close of fire weather season to investigate data gaps and update systems as needed;evaluate and update, as appropriate, the Automated Surface Observing System (the primary surface weather network in the United States) and the system used to rate the risk of wildfire; andestablish an Incident Meteorologist Service within the National Weather Service to provide on-site support before, during, and after significant weather-related events.The bill also exempts federal wildland firefighters, fire management response officials, and accompanying incident meteorologists and management teams from certain premium pay limitations. Finally, the bill directs the Government Accountability Office to evaluate and report on the implementation of the fire weather services program, among other topics. 

US HB8790

Fix Our Forests Act

US SB647

Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act of 2025