The recent wildfires prompted several utilities to request the US House to pass the ‘Save our Forests Act’ to make it easier for the former to carry out vegetation management on federal lands to reduce wildfire risks. The Bill was passed on January 23, 2025 in a 279 to 141 vote, including categorical exclusions for electric utility line rights-of-ways to allow vegetation management on federal lands to take place without environmental review.
The Bill would designate certain areas at high risk for wildfires as ‘fireshed management areas’ and directs the US Forest Service and US Geological Survey to establish a joint centre responsible for duties related to assessing and predicting fires. The legislation would also allow utilities to cut and remove trees near power lines on federal lands without a timber sale.
Opponents such as Environment America warn that this could have “devastating consequences for the environment and endangered species, as the Bill bypasses critical environmental laws that protect ecosystems and restricts scientific input and public engagement.”
Utilities such as Pacific Gas & Electric (PGE) are also supporting the Bill, saying it takes a ‘comprehensive’ approach. It reiterated that lawmakers must address drought-stricken trees and fire-prone federal forests that fuel wind-driven fires, and supports legislation that would expedite permitting and approvals, and reduce barriers to the essential work of keeping power lines clear of vegetation.
The new Act includes crucial improvements to grid hardening and wildfire mitigation procedures that will help electric cooperatives better address wildfire hazards on utility rights-of-way and better protect the communities they serve.