Push to protect giant trees from wildfire makes strides in Congress

The House approved legislation Monday to protect giant sequoia trees from worsening wildfires, as a companion bill also took shape in the Senate.

The “Save Our Sequoias Act,” H.R. 2709, passed by voice vote under fast-track procedures, a reflection of bipartisan support that’s built for the effort in recent years.

During floor debate, Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.) called the measure a “clear old-fashioned example” of bipartisan negotiation in an institution — Congress — that at times seems to have lost that tradition.

House Natural Resources Chair Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) said the bill would provide for the kind of quick action that will be necessary to stave off the potential extinction of the trees.