Senator Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, has reintroduced legislation proposing a $60 billion investment in forests across Oregon and the West. The aim is to reduce wildfire risk, restore watersheds, and lower suppression costs. Wyden emphasized the urgent need for forest and watershed protection due to increasing wildfire threats amid climate change, noting that inadequate federal investment has resulted in escalating wildfire costs, projected to rise significantly by 2050.
The proposed Protect the West Act includes establishing a restoration fund to support local efforts, creating an advisory council for oversight, and providing $20 billion directly to governments and organizations for restoration and fire mitigation projects. Additionally, it aims to partner with states and Tribes to invest $40 billion in tackling backlog restoration efforts and create over two million jobs, primarily in rural areas. The bill is supported by various environmental and conservation organizations, highlighting its broad backing for forest management and wildfire prevention initiatives.
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