"We are putting these intense loads of fire fuel, and we are burning it at such an intense heat that it is actually sterilizing soil."
"we spent almost $400 million putting that fire out, and we lost 2.5 billion in assets."
"we are just a big loser all the way around."
"I urge you to ensure that federal agencies maintain the flexibility to undertake projects based on the best scientific information available."
"H.R. 5744 was introduced by Congressman Gosar (AZ) to address the forest health, public safety, and wildlife habitat threats presented by the risk of wildfire."
"the Department opposes the bill's wilderness study area provision and the provisions that change ESA."
"This common sense approach has garnered strong bipartisan support."
"Forest thinning works!"
"That is why I introduced the Catastrophic Wildfire Prevention Act of 2012."
"The current federal system continues to prioritize fighting fires. Although the need to suppress fires is never going to go away, we must shift priority towards pro-active management."
"I thank Chairman Bishop for holding today's hearing and for cosponsoring my bill, the Catastrophic Wildfire Prevention Act of 2012 (H.R. 5744)."