Passing along an alarming deadline that is rapidly approaching. Please read and understand why we need to contact our Senators about the “Fix Our Forests Act” that has already passed the House:
| Date: | Tue, 4 Feb 2025 12:23:16 -0500 (EST) |
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| From: | Adam Rissien <action@wildearthguardians.org> |
Dear Guardian,
On January 23, Arkansas Representative Bruce Westerman introduced the “Fix Our Forests Act” (H.R. 471), which passed the House on a bipartisan vote, 279 – 141 (see how House members voted here).
The Senate is now bypassing its normal rules to schedule a vote this very week or next, or it may move its own version. Many Democratic Senators are considering supporting the bill.
The Fix Our Forests Act does little to reduce wildfire risk, which it is purported to address. Instead, the legislation is a green light to bypass critical environmental laws, restrict scientific input, and limit public engagement in how our forests are managed. The bill, if passed, would have devastating consequences for the environment and endangered species.
Take Action – Call Your Senator Today!
Phone number: (202) 224-3121
A U.S. Capitol Switchboard operator can connect you directly with your Senate office. Not sure who to ask for?
Click here to find your Senator.
Sample Phone Script or Voicemail:
Hi, I’m [Name] and I live in [Town]. I’m reaching out about the Fix Our Forests Act, which passed the House and is expected to be introduced in the Senate.
Sen. _____________ should vote no on the Fix Our Forests Act. I oppose this bill because (pick any/all talking points)This legislation will open millions of acres of federal land to logging without scientific review or community input. It prohibits the courts from weighing in by limiting judicial review. This bill allows for cutting of large old trees that store massive amounts of carbon and are key for mitigating against climate change. The bill guts key pieces of the Endangered Species Act and weakens the National Environmental Policy Act. The bill does little to invest in proven wildfire mitigation measures such as defensible space, emergency planning, and home hardening. Instead it focuses on opening up federal lands to logging interests. The bill would allow harmful road construction, creating highroad densities. Roads increase the risk of human-caused fires, fragment forest habitat, and are sources of chronic sediment that harm water quality in rivers and streams. Thank you, guardian, for taking action to protect climate-critical forests.For the Wild,
Adam Rissien
ReWilding Manager