Lawmakers push for study of cross‑boundary wildfire mitigation

The Subcommittee heard testimony supporting HR 39 22, the Cross‑Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act, a bill that would direct a Government Accountability Office study of mitigation programs and authorities across federal, state, local and tribal lands.

Colorado State Forester Matt McCombs told the committee that wildfire ‘‘does not respect ownership boundaries’’ and that Colorado’s most successful fuel‑reduction projects are landscape‑scale efforts planned across jurisdictions. ‘‘When projects stop at property lines, we leave gaps that fires inevitably exploit,’’ he said. (Matt McCombs, oral testimony.)

Representative Joe Neguse framed the bill as a practical step to identify existing authorities and barriers that inhibit cross‑boundary planning and to recommend adjustments so partners can implement collaborative mitigation at a scale that reduces risk to communities and critical watersheds.

Members from Western states said the study could identify legislative and administrative changes to align federal and non‑federal authorities, expand cooperative funding, and reduce litigation barriers. The Forest Service told the committee it ‘‘supports the intent’’ of HR 39 22 and looks forward to learning from GAO findings. (John Crockett, oral testimony.)

What’s next: The subcommittee took testimony but did not mark up HR 39 22. Witnesses and members agreed follow‑up written materials and technical recommendations would be provided to the committee record.