Subcommittee Reviews the Future of U.S. Forestry

Posted: Thursday, June 4, 2009 8:01 pm

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Baca, chairman of the House
Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Department Operations,
Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry, held a hearing to review the future of
U.S. forestry policy in the United States.

The subcommittee heard testimony from the Deputy Under Secretary for Natural
Resources and Environment at the U.S. Department of
Agriculture and from forestry advocates, environmental groups and industry
representatives about issues affecting U.S. forests.

“With the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest bordering my district in
California, I am deeply invested in creating policies
that protect and promote our nation’s forests,” said Chairman Baca.
“Today’s hearing provided an excellent opportunity to explore
the critical issues facing the future health of our forests, such as
wildfire, water preservation, and climate change. By enforcing
proper awareness of forestry preservation techniques, and strengthening our
focus on biomass as a form of renewable energy, we can
protect the beauty of America’s forests for future generations of Americans
to enjoy.”

“Our forests are an extraordinary environmental asset and an important
component of our economy. I am excited about the potential
use of biomass as a form of renewable energy to help build a more
sustainable energy future,” said Subcommittee Ranking Member Jeff
Fortenberry.

Posted 6.4.09