Press Releases

Rep. Loudermilk (R-GA) issued the following statement after supporting legislation that will protect our nation’s forests and citizens:

“Government bureaucrats are good at trying to fix problems that don’t exist, often creating even bigger problems. When those problems arise, they promptly cast blame on someone else. Federal land management agencies have been prohibiting utility companies from inspecting and maintaining electrical lines that run through federal lands. Keeping utility companies from maintaining the trees and foliage along the power lines has contributed to many forest fires, as trees fall across active lines. Of course, the agencies blame the utility companies for the damage. This legislation will replace bureaucratic red-tape with common-sense policies that will allow utility companies access to maintain their lines, protecting our lands and citizens.”

Background

The Electricity Reliability and Forest Protection Act, H.R. 1873, allows for an expedited process to approve utility companies’ line management plans, promotes efficiency between federal agencies, reduces the likelihood of wildfires and power outages, and lowers utility and rate costs for the American people.