Legislation Search

H.R. 471: Fix Our Forests Act

The "Fix Our Forests Act" focuses on improving forest management and reducing the risks of wildfires across National Forest System, public, and Tribal lands. The key objectives and components of the bill include:

Forest Management and Wildfire Risk Reduction

The bill aims to expedite procedures under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to enable quicker response to wildfire risks and enhance forest resilience, particularly in areas prone to wildfires. It encourages the use of various strategies to mitigate wildfires and improve forest conditions.

Categorical Exclusions for Fireshed Management

It mandates that the Secretary of the Interior apply categorical exclusions for fireshed management projects, ensuring these efforts remain in compliance with NEPA. It also promotes cooperation among different federal agencies to develop and implement effective wildfire risk reduction strategies, especially in communities at higher risk of wildfires.

Grants and Technical Assistance

The bill outlines provisions for grants and technical assistance to support emergency management, fire prevention, and community wildfire defense initiatives. Key aspects include:

Simplifying the application process for grants.
Providing technical support for communities and organizations involved in fire management.
Setting guidelines for performance-driven research focused on enhancing resilience to wildfires.
Establishing programs to improve seed supply for reforestation and prioritizing efforts on certain reforestation projects.

Pilot Program for Wildfire Mitigation Technologies

The bill also creates a Pilot Program designed for the real-time testing of wildfire mitigation technologies, specifically targeting innovative and emerging technologies. Entities engaged in this sector can apply to participate in the program, which will last for seven years. The bill requires that annual reports on the program’s progress and findings be submitted to Congress. This program supports the restoration and management efforts of white oak forests.

Summary

In summary, the "Fix Our Forests Act" proposes a comprehensive approach to enhance forest management and wildfire risk mitigation through expedited processes, technical support, financial assistance, and innovative technology testing. By emphasizing coordination among agencies and focusing on vulnerable communities, the bill seeks to improve overall forest resilience.

Relevant Companies

PLTR - Palantir Technologies may be involved through technologies relevant for real-time data applications to assist in wildfire management.
DOW - Dow, which produces materials that could be used in fire-resistant treatments for forest management projects.

This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.

Actions

19 actions

Date	Action
Jan. 28, 2025	Received in the Senate.
Jan. 23, 2025	Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H346-347)
Jan. 23, 2025	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 53. (consideration: CR H312-335)
Jan. 23, 2025	DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 53, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Carbajal amendment No. 2.
Jan. 23, 2025	DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 53, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Perry amendment No. 1.
Jan. 23, 2025	GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 471.
Jan. 23, 2025	House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 53 and Rule XVIII.
Jan. 23, 2025	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Jan. 23, 2025	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 279 - 141 (Roll no. 25). (text: CR H321-333)
Jan. 23, 2025	Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 279 - 141 (Roll no. 25). (text: CR H321-333)
Jan. 23, 2025	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 471, the Chair put the question on passage of the bill and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Peters demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
Jan. 23, 2025	Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 471 and S. 5. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 471 under a structured rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit. Also, the resolution provides for consideration of S. 5 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to commit.
Jan. 23, 2025	The House adopted the amendments en gros as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
Jan. 23, 2025	The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 471.
Jan. 23, 2025	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Jan. 23, 2025	The Speaker designated the Honorable Dale W. Strong to act as Chairman of the Committee.
Jan. 21, 2025	Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 53 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 471 and S. 5. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 471 under a structured rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit. Also, the resolution provides for consideration of S. 5 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to commit.
Jan. 16, 2025	Introduced in House
Jan. 16, 2025	Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

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