On January 3, the first day of the 119th Congress, Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-Butte) introduced the Targeted Operations to Remove Catastrophic Hazards (TORCH) Act, which aims to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health.
The bill would expand National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) categorical exclusions to allow for faster thinning and post-fire recovery; improve vegetation management near power lines to reduce ignition risks, expanding on the previous efforts of the Clear Zones Act; and address delays caused by Endangered Species Act requirements, through the Cottonwood Fix. The measure also seeks to reduce wildfire risks by expanding livestock grazing and promotes cross-boundary mitigation and restoration efforts, and includes Good Neighbor Authority, enabling partnerships between federal, state, and local governments.