Last week, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) called attention to the ongoing government efforts to prevent and fight wildfires during a meeting of the Energy and Commerce Environment subcommittee on the effect of wildfires on air quality. Rep. Peters also asked the witnesses about the use of long-term plans for wildfire management, and what can be done to mitigate these deadly events.

“Climate change continues to wreak havoc on communities across the country, including in California where wildfires are causing historic devastation. I’ve worked to stop the federal government from using money for fire prevention for fire suppression, which prompts a dangerous cycle because we are not as prepared as we could be. I asked the National Wildlife Federation how they would prioritize wildfire funding, and what can be done to moderate these ongoing threats,” said Rep. Peters.

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Watch Rep. Peters question Collin O’Mara, President of the National Wildlife Federation HERE.

In August, Rep. Peters held a fire prevention and preparedness workshop with local officials, encouraging San Diegans to create fire plans and take measures to reduce fire risk.