Leadership in states that are especially vulnerable to wildfire are speaking up in support
of Senator John Curtis’ ‘Fix Our Forests Act’ that aims to combat catastrophic wildfires,
restore forest ecosystems, and make federal forest management more efficient and
responsive. Utah had 1,244 wildfires in 2024 which is a 54% increase from the year
before. Governor Spencer Cox is among the vocal supporters, along with other prominent
Governors in the West. “A century of fire suppression and decades of reduced forest
management have left us with overgrown, unhealthy forests that are more vulnerable to
disease and catastrophic wildfire,” says Utah Governor Spencer Cox. “Thanks to Senator
Curtis’s strong leadership on the Fix Our Forests Act, along with the tools provided by
President Trump’s executive order, we’re now equipped to do the critical work our forests
need. This bill will help us protect watersheds, enhance wildlife habitat, reduce wildfire
risk, and provide the timber we need to build strong homes and neighborhoods.” This Act
cuts red tape and streamlines collaboration between the USDA Forest Service and other
partners.
