Govs. Gianforte, Little Urge President Biden To Commit to "Active, Responsive" Partnership on Wildfires

Governors Greg Gianforte of Montana and Brad Little of Idaho urged President Biden to commit to an “active, responsive” partnership with states in wildfire response, wildfire preparedness, and active forest management.

Govs. Gianforte and Little sent their message to the president ahead of his meeting with some western governors to discuss the federal government’s response to wildfires. Despite facing severe wildfire seasons, Montana and Idaho are two of three western states President Biden did not invite to participate. The Biden administration invited eight western governors, six Democrats and two Republicans.

“No state in what it faces and how it responds is like another,” Govs. Gianforte and Little wrote. “We were disappointed to learn not all western states who face a harsh wildfire season will be at the table.”

Stressing the importance of a close, coordinated approach to wildfire response among all levels of government, the governors wrote, “We can achieve the best outcomes for the people we serve when the federal government works with states to develop and execute proactive plans that ensure we promptly respond to fires that put communities at risk. We should apply this operating principle regardless of whether a fire starts on private, state, or federal land.”

The governors reiterated their commitment to an aggressive initial response to wildfires and expressed hope the president will join them in that commitment.

Addressing the need for active forest management, Govs. Gianforte and Little also wrote, “[I]t is critical we have a federal partner in the White House who is willing to do what needs to be done year-round to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. The federal government must work with states to actively and meaningfully manage our lands to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires.”

Govs. Gianforte and Little concluded the message to President Biden, writing, “We urge you to commit that our federal partners, regardless of whether they are based in our communities or based in an agency in Washington, D.C., will be active, responsive partners to improve wildfire response, wildfire preparedness, and meaningful forest management.”