Joe Neguse

U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse and other House Democrats announced a package of legislation Thursday, Aug. 6, that they say “meets the moment” as the severe wildfire season unfolds in Colorado and across the country. …Across the U.S., wildfires have burned more than 5.5 million acres — 144% above the 10-year average for this time of year, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. …Five wildland firefighters have died this summer of injuries sustained while fighting fires in Colorado. …The Democrats describe the proposed legislation as having “three main pillars.” First, the release states the proposed policies aim to create “resilient lands” by investing in wildfire prevention and post-fire restoration and recovery. …Second, the act would create what lawmakers called “fire-safe communities”. …The final pillar of the legislation is “ensuring wildland firefighter safety and workforce security,” according to the release.