NAMIC urges swift Senate vote after committee advances Fix Our Forests Act

The National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) has called on Senate leaders to move quickly on the Fix Our Forests Act after its approval by the Senate Agriculture Committee. The bill, which aims to address wildfire risks across the country, was previously passed by the House in January as California faced severe wildfires.

Jimi Grande, senior vice president of federal and political affairs for NAMIC, emphasized the urgency of addressing wildfire threats. "Right now, wildfire season is ending in some parts of the country and just beginning in others, but recent history has shown us that massive, devastating fires aren’t limited to a single season anywhere in the country," Grande said. "The risk of wildfire can no longer be ignored or underestimated. We need action to start addressing it, and the Fix Our Forests Act is a vital step in doing so."

The legislation focuses on treating forests at highest risk for wildfires and streamlining grant programs for community mitigation projects. It also encourages research into wildfire resilience and land management practices within areas where development meets wildland vegetation. Additionally, it supports adopting fire-resistant building techniques and standards.

Grande highlighted changes in land use that have increased exposure to fire hazards: "Over recent years, we’ve witnessed substantial growth of the wildland urban interface, where homes face escalating risks of devastating fire and the potential losses they can inflict," he said. "The science is clear, and we know how to effectively manage our forests to reduce the damage from wildfires. We simply need our federally elected officials to stand up to powerful special interests and do the right thing to protect life and property from future harm. Our federal forest management and mitigation policies need to keep up with the science. The Fix Our Forest Act will promote modern science and research to make our forests healthier and our communities safer."

With committee approval secured, NAMIC urges prompt action from Senate leadership so that new forest management strategies can be implemented before future wildfire seasons intensify.