Press Release
☷Biden Harris Administration Announces $500 Million to Confront the Wildfire Crisis as Part of Investing in America Agenda
U.S. Department of Agriculture ( By Press Release office)
Feb 21,2024
| 17| 1
Today , Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the Biden - Harris Administration is investing nearly $500 million to expand work on the USDA Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy . This funding will help reduce risk to communities , critical infrastructure , and natural resources from wildfires , which are worsened by climate change . The total investment in this strategy is now $2 . 4 billion , thanks to President Biden’s initiatives . This investment will support efforts to protect lives and livelihoods across a wide landscape . Additionally , a new program called the Collaborative Wildfire Risk Reduction Program will receive $100 million to expand work in high - risk wildfire areas outside of the 21 priority landscapes . This program aims to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health in collaboration with Tribes , communities , and partners in 24 qualifying states . More information about the program can be found on the program webpage . In January 2022 , the Forest Service launched the Wildfire Crisis Strategy to protect communities and their resources by increasing hazardous fuels treatments to reduce wildfire risks . This includes treating over a million acres across 21 priority landscapes to lower wildfire risks for 550 communities , 2 , 500 miles of power lines , and 1 , 800 watersheds that provide drinking water to millions of Americans . The selection of landscapes and expansion efforts under the strategy are based on scientific research , water source protection , community infrastructure risk , at - risk species , wildlife corridors , and equity . Forest Service Chief Randy Moore praised the efforts of Forest Service employees , partners , Tribes , and communities in achieving record - setting progress in hazardous fuels reduction . In 2023 , over 4 . 3 million acres of hazardous fuels reduction were accomplished , including nearly two million acres of prescribed burning on national forests and grasslands - both are record highs in the agency ' s history . This announcement is part of President Biden ' s plan to boost the resilience of lands facing the threat of catastrophic wildfires and provide better support for federal wildland firefighters . The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated $1 . 4 billion for the USDA Forest Service to reduce wildfire risks . The Inflation Reduction Act added an extra $1 . 8 billion to lower the risk of wildfires to communities , infrastructure , watersheds , and other benefits of forests . These investments will enhance long - term fire preparedness , decrease wildfire risks across states , and support wildland firefighters . The investments in the Wildfire Crisis Strategy are also part of President Biden ' s Justice40 Initiative , which aims to ensure that 40% of certain federal investments benefit disadvantaged communities . USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources and the Environment Dr . Homer Wilkes noted the positive impact of reducing wildfire exposure to communities , infrastructure , watersheds , vulnerable communities , and carbon stocks . Overall , USDA plays a significant role in positively impacting the lives of all Americans on a daily basis . Under the Biden - Harris administration , the USDA is changing America ' s food system to focus more on local and regional food production , promoting fair markets for all farmers , ensuring access to safe and nutritious food in all communities , creating new opportunities for farmers and producers using climate - friendly practices , investing in rural infrastructure and clean energy , and striving for equality within the USDA . To find out more , go to www . usda . gov . #USDA treats everyone equally in terms of providing opportunities , employment , and lending .
PLAY the NEWS
* May be useful for visually impaired persons .
Press release information:
Direct link to press release:
Click here .