U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) on March 16 introduced bipartisan legislation that aims to address wildfire risk and improve forest health across the country.
“California is no stranger to devastating wildfires, and we need every tool available to better manage our forests and reduce this growing threat,” Rep. Valadao said.
The Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority Act, H.R. 7951, which Rep. Valadao sponsored alongside lead cosponsor U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), would extend the Good Neighbor Authority program from 10 years to 20 years to allow the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to partner with state, tribal, and local partners to tackle wildfires.
“By strengthening long-term collaboration between federal, state, tribal, and local partners, the Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority Act will take a more proactive approach to forest management and wildfire prevention,” the congressman said.
The Good Neighbor Authority (GNA), first authorized in the 2014 Farm Bill, allows the USFS and BLM to partner with states, tribes, and local governments to carry out forest management and restoration work on federal lands.
Such partnerships have proven effective in reducing wildfire risk, improving forest health, and supporting rural economies. However, current GNA agreements are limited in duration, creating uncertainty for long-term projects that require sustained planning and investment, according to Rep. Valadao.
H.R. 7951 would address that gap by authorizing agreements of up to 20 years, providing partners with the certainty needed to undertake large-scale, cross-boundary restoration efforts.
“Our forests can’t be protected and preserved on a short timeline, and neither can the partnerships it takes to protect them,” said Rep. Panetta. “With long-term partnerships, we can give our forests and public lands the sustained attention they need to thrive for generations to come.”
The measure, which is supported by the National Association of State Foresters, has been referred for consideration to both the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee and the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.