The Healthy Forest Act -
How did YOUR Elected Representatives and Senators Vote?

 

On Wednesday, December 3, 2003 President Bush signed legislation that supports the Healthy Forest Initiative that he proposed in August 2002.  As he signed the Act into Law, the President was surrounded by fire fighters who fought the western forest fires that destroyed over 11 million acres over the last two years and killed 22 people in southern California this year. 

 

Recent National Surveys show that over 70% of Americans support the Healthy Forest Act and the active management of our public forests.  Outdoor recreationists estimate that millions of wild animals and birds were killed in the fires and the uncontrolled blazes generated needless air pollution.

 

The Environmental Impact of catastrophic wild fire is long lasting and astounding.  The fires are so hot the soil is sterilized, watersheds are made bare, leading to mudslides and discarding of mud and soot into rivers, lakes and drinking water supplies.  Fire annihilates the wild animals and the species habitat.  This past year's fires produced the worst air pollution condition in Denver and San Diego's history.

 

The Forest Service estimates that approximately 70 million acres of US Forest Land are at risk for severe fire. 

 

The measure signed by the President streamlines the approval process for projects to cut excess trees out of thick, overgrown forests or stands of trees killed by insect infestation.  It also allows for the removal of dead trees and underbrush, which serves to fuel potential forest fires.  The law allows the Forest Service to actively and adaptively manage the Forests and maintain the firebreaks (ingress and egress roads for fire fighting equipment) and allows the experts to manage the forests.

 

Attached is the roll call vote of members of the US House and Senate.  The Congress approved the legislation 286-240 and the Senate approved it with an 80 to 14 margin.  To see how your Congressman or Senator voted, please review the state by state roll call list of the vote.  A "Yes" vote supported the Healthy Forest Act.  A "No" vote was against the Act.