Grand Canyon Times

Arizona House Republicans are advancing legislation aimed at mitigating the threat of wildfires as part of their 2025 Majority Plan. This initiative is designed to protect lives, property, and communities from catastrophic wildfires. The plan includes improving wildfire mitigation, cleaning unhealthy forests, and reducing bureaucratic hurdles to better safeguard homeowners.

Representative Lupe Diaz, Chairman of the House Committee on Land, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs, emphasized the importance of public safety beyond traditional law enforcement. "Public safety is more than law enforcement and border security – it means defending our communities from preventable disasters," said Diaz. He highlighted Arizona's proactive approach compared to other states like California where wildfires have been mismanaged.

Arizona's high country faces severe drought conditions due to record-low winter precipitation, increasing the risk of summer wildfires. In response, House Republicans are ensuring that state and local officials are prepared for potential disasters.

The legislative proposals include several bills: HB2201 requires utilities to develop Wildfire Mitigation Plans; HB2219, HB2395, HB2398, HB2400, and HB2694 allocate funding for fire contingency planning; HB2456 establishes fire incident management grants; HB2577 cuts red tape for more flexible community protection; and HB2639 extends a tax incentive for forest thinning.

Despite higher recent costs associated with neglected forest maintenance, Governor Hobbs' budget does not propose new funding for vegetation removal or forest thinning. House Republicans aim to address this gap with their measures.

"Preventing wildfires means enacting responsible management before disaster strikes," added Diaz. He stressed collaboration with state agencies and local officials to prevent fires effectively.

All funding proposals will undergo further review in the Appropriations Committee as part of the legislative process. The goal is to deliver solutions that protect Arizona families and rural communities.

Lupe Diaz represents Legislative District 19 in Southeastern Arizona and chairs the House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee.