South OC Times

U.S. Representative Young Kim has successfully advocated for the inclusion of wildfire technology initiatives in the recently passed Fix Our Forests Act (H.R. 471). The bill, which received bipartisan support in the House, includes the Wildfire Tech Demonstration, Evaluation, Modernization, and Optimization (DEMO) Act. This legislation allows private entities to collaborate with federal land management agencies to test new wildfire technologies alongside existing hazardous fuels mitigation activities and training.

Representative Kim emphasized the significance of these efforts by stating, “Southern California wildfires, including the Airport Fire in our area, are a pressing reminder of the importance of wildfire response. Our first responders need all available tools to keep our communities safe and combat the ever-changing threat posed by wildfires.” She expressed her satisfaction with the initiative's progress: “The DEMO Act will help us more quickly develop and deploy emerging technologies for wildfire response. I am thrilled this important initiative to update wildfire response tools is included in the Fix our Forests Act and will keep fighting to get this done.”

Beyond her work on the DEMO Act, Rep. Kim has been actively involved in other legislative efforts aimed at improving wildfire mitigation strategies. These include introducing several bills such as the Cross Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act (H.R. 9703), designed to enhance recommendations for effective wildfire mitigation; and the Fire Weather Development Act (H.R. 4866), which aims to improve communication and detection capabilities during wildfires.

Additionally, she introduced the Restoring Our Unopened Trails for Enjoyment and Safety (ROUTES) Act (H.R. 6994) focused on maintaining trails and recreation sites affected by natural disasters. She also secured funding for local projects like installing a heli-hydrant in Yorba Linda Water District and fuel reduction initiatives in Chino Hills.

Rep. Kim's contributions extend further into securing increased resources for FEMA’s Urban Search & Rescue Response System task forces across California and nationally, as well as advocating for deferred trail maintenance through language added to a Department of Interior appropriations act.

The passage of H.R. 471 marks another step forward following its approval in previous congressional sessions.