REFERENCE TITLE: resilient federal forests act |
State of Arizona Senate Fifty-second Legislature Second Regular Session 2016
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SCM 1011 |
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Introduced by Senator Griffin
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A CONCURRENT MEMORIAL
urging the Congress of the United States to enact the Resilient Federal Forests Act.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
To the Congress of the United States of America:
Your memorialist respectfully represents:
Whereas, national forest lands are the largest single source of water in the United States and, in some regions of the west, contribute nearly 50% of the overall water supply; and
Whereas, the unhealthy state of these forests has resulted in catastrophic wildfires that are threatening the reliability, volume and quality of water for tens of millions of Americans; and
Whereas, severe drought and record-breaking wildfire seasons have highlighted the need for the implementation of a process that would require and provide for the United States Forest Service to accelerate restoration work in our national forests, which would protect critical headwaters and make forest lands more resilient against prolonged dry conditions, insect infestation and fire; and
Whereas, failure to take quick action will result in a continued increase in the frequency and intensity of destructive wildfires, impacting the nation's water resources for decades at considerable cost to stakeholders and United States taxpayers; and
Whereas, the customs, cultures and economic well-being of our local communities, as well as important historic and cultural aspects of our local heritage, are being ignored, which adversely affects the lives and jobs of the people of the United States and devastates local and state economies; and
Whereas, on June 4, 2015, Representative Bruce Westerman introduced H.R. 2647, the Resilient Federal Forests Act. The bill passed in the House on July 9, 2015 and was transmitted to the Senate, where it died in committee; and
Whereas, the Resilient Federal Forests Act expedites and improves forest management activities through a collaborative process, resulting in the protection of water resources.
Wherefore your memorialist, the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representative concurring, prays:
1. That the United States Congress enact the Resilient Federal Forests Act.
2. That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona transmit copies of this Memorial to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and each Member of Congress from the State of Arizona.