Wildfires
New Mexico is getting hotter. Our droughts and wildfire seasons are getting longer, and we are seeing the effects of climate change become increasingly more damaging. We know that if our families want to continue to call this beautiful place home, we have an obligation to address these issues.
The largest wildfire in New Mexico’s history began in April of 2022 and devastated our communities. The U.S. Forest Service started this fire. It never should have happened. That's why I'm pushing the U.S. Forest Service to fix their policies. I secured an independent federal investigation into the Forest Service’s use of prescribed burns.
I began to advocate for the compensation of survivors right away. I led the effort to pass the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act through the House and co-sponsored fire- and disaster-related legislation including the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act, Wildfire Recovery Act, and Helping Emergency Responders Overcome Act. I also helped secure an increase in federal firefighter pay and am advocating for additional funding to prepare for and respond to wildfires.
On September 30th, 2022 I secured $2.5 billion in Aid for New Mexicans impacted by Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fires. My Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act includes $2.5 billion for our ranchers, acequia members, students, and families. For our forests, lands, precious waters, and all we lost in this fire. $2.5 billion begins the long, slow road to healing and recovery.