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Resilient Federal Forests Act Included in House Amendment to Senate Energy Bill

May 25, 2016

WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday (May 25) approved amendments to S. 2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016. The Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2016, a bill introduced by Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) and passed by the House of Representatives on July 9, 2015, was included as an amendment.

Upon passage, Westerman issued the following statement:

“Inclusion of the Resilient Federal Forests Act in amendments to the Senate energy bill shows the importance of updated forestry policy,” Westerman said. “Over 10 million acres of federal land went up in smoke last year. It is clear that the policies of the last several decades failed. Active forest management is needed to improve forest health, prevent wildfire, promote clean air and water, improve wildlife habitat, strengthen rural America, and protect life and property. I am proud to see this important legislation pass the House for a second time, and hope to see the President sign it into law.”

A conference committee of House and Senate members will meet to finalize details of the bill.