LEADER KEVIN MCCARTHY’S OFFICE –
On May 6, 2022, Leader McCarthy joined a bipartisan House delegation to the Sequoia National Forest to better understand the importance of forest stewardship and the impact of wildfires on our natural resources. Joining Leader McCarthy was House Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (AR-4), Rep. Steve Peters (CA-52), Rep Jim Costa (CA-16), Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Rep. David Valadao (CA-21), and California Assemblyman Vince Fong (AD-34).
Upon arrival in the Sequoia National Forest, the delegation learns that giant sequoias live for thousands of years, as evidenced by tree rings on stumps of fallen giants. Some of the trees in the forest sprouted during the heyday of the Roman Empire.
The delegation weaves its way through the Trail of 100 Giants – a national monument and one of the most famous groves within the Sequoia National Forest. Giant sequoias are the world’s widest tree and among the world’s tallest trees; the average giant sequoia reaches nearly 300 feet in the air.
Heavy-handed federal regulations make it near-impossible to clear brush and deadwood that fuel fires on the national monument. As a result, sequoias and the creatures who call the trees home are in danger of entirely preventable damage. During their visit, United States Forest Service (USFS) stressed the importance of common-sense forest management.
Leader McCarthy who described trees as the lungs of the earth, planted a young giant sequoia during their tour. “Trees are the greatest natural air filter we have on earth — in addition to planting more, we must protect, restore, and better manage the forests we already have. Republicans are working to reduce emissions and protect the environment through the work of our Energy, Climate, and Conservation Task Force.” McCarthy said.
