South OC Times

U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) has introduced the Cross Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act (H.R. 9703) alongside Reps. Joe Neguse (CO-02), Marc Molinaro (NY-19), and Josh Harder (CA-09). This bipartisan bill aims to enhance wildfire mitigation by identifying gaps in current federal regulations and promoting collaboration across agencies and land boundaries.

"As we introduce this bill, firefighters are working around the clock to contain the Airport fire on federal land in the Cleveland National Forest in Trabuco Canyon and surrounding communities. We also saw earlier this week how a fire miles away can negatively impact the air quality in our area," said Rep. Young Kim. "Reducing barriers to wildfire mitigation can save lives. The Cross Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act aims to bridge any barriers to wildfire mitigation and ensure our first responders can do their jobs as effectively as possible. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan, commonsense effort with Reps. Neguse, Molinaro, and Harder, and I will keep doing all I can to keep our communities safe and support first responders."

Rep. Kim has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at improving wildfire mitigation efforts:

- Leading the bipartisan Wildfire Technology Demonstration, Evaluation, Modernization, and Optimization (DEMO) Act (H.R. 4235) to expand access to wildfire technologies.

- Helping introduce the Fire Weather Development Act (H.R. 4866), which passed the House and includes bipartisan bills Rep. Kim worked on to enhance wildfire detection capabilities and improve communications between first responders and community members.

- Introducing the Restoring Our Unopened Trails for Enjoyment and Safety (ROUTES) Act (H.R. 6994) to prioritize maintenance of federal trails, roads, campgrounds, and recreation sites damaged by natural disasters.

- Securing funding in FY22 appropriations for the City of Yorba Linda Water District's heli-hydrant installation project and Chino Hills' fuel reduction project for areas susceptible to wildfires.

- Increasing resources for FEMA's Urban Search & Rescue Response System task forces deployed for natural disaster response nationwide.

- Adding language to the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2024 directing U.S. Forest Service to address deferred trail maintenance issues.