Washington, DC – April 19, 2022 – The SmarterSafer Coalition issued the following statement in the wake of the devastating wildfires that continue to blaze across Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Alaska, and Kentucky:
“The correlation between climate change and wildfires has become increasingly evident this week as seven fires continue to blaze through the Southern, Southwest, and Rocky Mountain regions of the U.S., displacing countless community members in the process.
In addition to these seven fires, wildfire advisories are in place in other states, including eastern North Carolina, western Texas, Oklahoma, central Kansas and Nebraska. This marks only the beginning of the 2022 wildfire season and evacuations to come.
On the precipice of what is expected to be the most devastating wildfire season to date, SmarterSafer continues to prioritize legislation that prepares communities and property owners from encroaching damages. Passing H.R. 1936, the Climate Resilient Communities Act, is a priority to implement resilient infrastructure, ensure a decrease in risk of catastrophic wildfires and mitigate the damage from smoke and economic losses that wildfires cause.
Our thoughts are with those affected by these fires. We need sweeping changes at the federal, state and local levels of government to address the evolving nature of wildfires and the paths they scorch.”
SmarterSafer is a national coalition made up of a diverse chorus of voices united in favor of environmentally responsible, fiscally sound approaches to natural catastrophe policy that promote public safety. SmarterSafer members include taxpayer advocates, environmental groups, insurance interests, housing organizations, and mitigation advocates.
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