Yuba-Sutter Times

Rep. Doug LaMalfa has introduced the Targeted Operations to Remove Catastrophic Hazards (TORCH) Act, a legislative proposal focused on reducing wildfire risks and improving forest health in the United States. This bill was presented at the start of the 119th Congress, signaling Rep. LaMalfa's commitment to prioritizing forest management and wildfire prevention.

"The TORCH Act is a direct response to the pressing threat of catastrophic wildfires that continue to devastate rural areas, wildlife, and critical infrastructure across the country," said Rep. LaMalfa. "This legislation streamlines and accelerates forest management projects, giving us the tools we need to restore healthy forests, reduce wildfire hazards, and protect the lives and livelihoods of those who live in high-risk areas."

The act includes several key provisions designed to enhance forest management efforts. These include expanding categorical exclusions from NEPA for thinning and post-fire recovery operations over larger areas, improving electrical line safety through hazardous vegetation removal, and amending certain aspects of the Endangered Species Act to expedite forest restoration projects.

Additional elements focus on cross-boundary wildfire mitigation, resilience efforts, collaboration with local partners, and promoting livestock grazing as a means of reducing wildfire risk.

Rep. LaMalfa emphasized the importance of cooperation across government levels and private sectors in managing forests effectively: "Managing our forests and reducing wildfire risk isn't just a task for one agency; it requires cooperation across all levels of government and the private sector."

The TORCH Act also incorporates Good Neighbor Authority provisions for federal-state partnerships in executing efficient wildfire risk reduction initiatives.

As Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a representative of California’s First Congressional District, Rep. LaMalfa aims for this act to be central in his legislative agenda during this session.