Political Quotes

“I rise to support the Craig second degree amendment. This amendment will address the continuing problem of hazardous fuels buildup in our Nation's forests. Unfortunately, the excessive buildup of these fire producing fuels has reached a crisis stage. Nowhere is this fact more evident than what is happening in our forests this year. Currently, conditions in our Nation's forests are terrible. The fire risks as a result of the buildup of these fuels are extremely high. According to the Society of American Foresters, "As a result of 80 years of fuels accumulation and several years of drought, the potential for wildfire is at an all time high in many regions of the U.S." In addition to this, recent forest service estimates indicate that approximately 73 million of the Nation's national forests are at risk from "catastrophic" wildfire. For many of the states, the damage is already done. As you all know, many western states have experienced devastating wildfires--fires that have not only destroyed homes and property, but vast acres of trees and wildlife as well. As of late August, more than 6.3 million acres of land have burned this fire season--more than double the 10-year average. So far in this fire season, we have seen devastating fires in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Alaska, and Oregon.”