Industry bodies urge Senate to pass bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act

By Mia MacGregor

May 8 - (The Insurer) - Four insurance industry associations have sent a joint letter to Senate leaders urging the passage of the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act (S 1462).

The legislation aims to reducing wildfire risk, protecting communities and building national resilience.

According to the letter sent by the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, American Property Casualty Insurance Association, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, and Reinsurance Association of America, the bipartisan bill seeks to enhance the nation's resilience to catastrophic wildfires, improve land use planning and forest management, and better safeguard communities in regions prone to wildfires.

“Over the past decade, population growth in areas at high-risk for wildfires has continued to increase, largely without appropriate risk reduction measures in place, putting more people and properties in harm’s way,” the letter stated.

“Legislation to reduce the risk of wildfires must address not only forests and rangelands, but also focus on reducing risk to the built environment to prevent or lessen the damage wrought by fires that can sweep through communities and destroy homes, businesses, and infrastructure.”

The letter was signed by trade organisations representing a majority of the property casualty insurance industry, including primary writers, reinsurers, agents, and brokers.