Bill 119 s 140, also known as the Forest Health and Biomass Energy Act, aims to tackle the forest health crisis on the National Forest System and public lands in the United States. The bill addresses the issue of deteriorating forest health due to factors such as wildfires, insect infestations, and disease outbreaks.
One of the key provisions of the bill is the promotion of active forest management practices, such as thinning and prescribed burns, to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires and improve overall forest health. The bill also encourages the use of biomass energy from forest residues as a renewable energy source, which can help reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, the bill includes measures to streamline the permitting process for forest management activities and increase collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies, as well as private landowners. This collaborative approach is aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of forest management efforts.
Overall, Bill 119 s 140 seeks to address the forest health crisis in a comprehensive and proactive manner, with the goal of promoting sustainable forest management practices and protecting the health and vitality of the nation's forests for future generations.