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.

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