An issue that has risen near the top recently in American society is that of the out-of-control wildfires in the western portion of the country. One of the recently proposed acts is the Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003. This was created by representatives Scott McInnis and Greg Walden in an attempt to control wildfires in western states. However, America has become divided over such a critical issue. Those who support the issue say that the benefits outweigh the risks of not doing anything. .
"Hundreds of homes have been lost in Arizona. More have burned in other states. The environmental groups keep stalling trying to head off a vote. Thinning the forests, making them healthy again is the answer, we must start now.".
- New Jersey Community Leader Brian Phillips.
Many other citizens oppose these ideas, claiming that they have created unrealistic claims. With the passage of this act, the US Forest Service will be allowed to conduct large harmful logging projects without considering alternative measures.
"It uses the tragedy caused by last year's wildfires as an excuse to rob the people not only of their forests, but also of their rights under federal law to seek strong protection for those forests. It is a giveway to the logging industry and a restriction on fundamental rights.".
-NWF Legislative director Adam Kolton.
While a very tough issue, I believe that the political groups and leaders have rushed into this issue. Currently, few reliable scientific studies have been done to support either side's claims. If I were president, I would require more support for each side before a confident productive decision would be made. Currently, I do not support this act. .
