Legislation Could Strengthen Wildfire Mitigation
Dear Member,
At Douglas Electric Cooperative (DEC), November means we can breathe a little easier because fire season is finally behind us. Even though wildfire risk is lower now, not much changes at DEC because we keep our eyes on wildfire prevention all year. While this includes improvements in how we build, operate, and maintain your electric system, it also requires hard work on public policy.
DEC has learned through our national trade association, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, that the Senate is considering S. 1462—the Fix Our Forests Act. This legislation would make changes to how federal forests are managed across the West, including changes that are important to how we mitigate wildfire.
Specifically, the bill would:
- Expand electric utility authority to remove hazard trees from within 10 feet to within 150 feet of electric power lines.
- Establish faster timelines for federal agency review and approval of vegetation management plans.
- Streamline timber sale and removal processes to reduce fuel loads near electric power lines.
As we get closer to a vote in the Senate, you will hear more from us on social media and in our communications about the Fix Our Forests Act. We may even ask you to lend your voice to the effort.
Visit the Voices for Cooperative Power website for more information and to learn how you can support this important legislation.
I want to wish you and your loved ones a warm and happy Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
General Manager Keith Brooks