Yuba-Sutter Times

Congressman Doug LaMalfa has been awarded the 2025 Congressional Leadership Award by the American Loggers Council (ALC) and the American Biomass Energy Association (ABEA). The recognition acknowledges his contributions to supporting the timber and biomass industries, enhancing forest management, and mitigating wildfire risks. Each year, the ALC and ABEA honor one Republican and one Democrat for their leadership in forestry policy.

"Our forests are in trouble, and the policies coming out of Washington have too often made things worse. Decades of hands-off management have left our forests overgrown and our logging infrastructure on the verge of collapse, all while catastrophic wildfires get worse," said Rep. LaMalfa. "We need active management, and we need it now. I appreciate this recognition from the American Loggers Council and the American Biomass Energy Association, and I'll continue working towards solutions that keep our forests healthy and our rural economies strong."

Rep. LaMalfa, a Republican from Richvale, California, has championed legislative efforts to streamline processes and restore active forest management. He has introduced several key pieces of legislation, including the Fix Our Forests Act, aimed at reducing bureaucratic barriers to forest management; the TORCH Act, designed to enhance wildfire prevention measures; and the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act, which secures vital funding for rural communities impacted by diminishing timber revenues. Furthermore, he secured $75 million in federal funds for shaded fuel breaks throughout California.

Rep. LaMalfa serves as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus. He is a lifelong farmer representing California's First Congressional District, which encompasses the counties of Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama, and Yuba.