|
119th CONGRESS
1st Session |
Recognizing that climate change is making wildfires more frequent, more intense, and more destructive.
Mr. Whitehouse (for himself, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Markey, Mr. Van Hollen, Ms. Duckworth, Ms. Smith, Mr. Padilla, Mr. Welch, and Ms. Blunt Rochester) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Recognizing that climate change is making wildfires more frequent, more intense, and more destructive.
Whereas climate change increases global temperatures and drought conditions, making “fire weather” more common and longer-lasting;
Whereas, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (in this preamble referred to as “NASA”), “human-caused climate change has been found to be the main cause for increasing fire weather in the American West”;
Whereas the United States Forest Service reports that “[w]hat was once a four-month fire season now lasts six to eight months”;
Whereas data from NASA satellites shows that over the past 2 decades, wildfires have become more frequent, more intense, and larger, and that worldwide extreme wildfire activity has more than doubled;
Whereas the United States Geological Survey calculates that even without considering human health impacts, wildfires cost the United States $424,000,000,000 annually;
Whereas, on January 7, 2025, a collection of wildfires in the Los Angeles metro area destroyed more than 15,000 homes and business, killed more than 2 dozen people, and poisoned the air and soil; and
Whereas a subsequent study confirmed that climate change meaningfully increased the likelihood of the Los Angeles fires: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate acknowledges the reality of climate change-driven wildfire risk and acknowledges the need to fully fund and staff Federal wildfire prevention and response activities.