Recognizes Senator’s efforts in enacting Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) today was presented with the National Emergency Management Association’s annual “Legislative Achievement Award” in recognition of his efforts in enacting the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission. The award, which recognizes members of Congress that have gone above and beyond to advance the priorities of emergency management and homeland security—was presented to Senator Romney by Kathy Holder, the State Hazard Mitigation Officer at Utah’s Department of Public Safety and a member of the Wildfire Commission.
“Modernizing federal wildfire policies has become a national priority. What once was largely an issue for dry, western states—like Utah—wildfires now impact communities all across our country, from Maui all the way to the Canadian border. A few years ago, Senator Kelly, Congressman Curtis, and I identified the need for a commission of federal and non-federal stakeholders to study and recommend wildfire prevention and mitigation policies, which led to the creation of the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission,” said Senator Romney. “I am deeply appreciative of this award, and even more appreciative of the efforts of the Wildland Fire Commission, and hope to be able to turn its recommendations into legislation in the very near future.”
Background:
The Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission brought federal and non-federal stakeholders together to study and recommend fire prevention, mitigation, management, and rehabilitation policies for forests and grasslands. First introduced by Senators Romney and Mark Kelly (D-AZ), along with Representative John Curtis (R-UT), in 2021, the Commission was enacted after Romney secured its inclusion in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In February 2023, the Commission submitted its first report to Congress which outlines a strategy to meet aerial firefighting equipment needs through 2030. Last September, the Commission released its second and final report which outlines the urgent need for increased coordination between federal and local wildfire agencies, the importance of beneficial fires—like prescribed burning, and the need for increased investment in proactive pre-fire and post-fire planning and mitigation.