Redwood Empire News

Rep. Jared Huffman, a U.S. Congressman representing California's 2nd district since 2013, has recently shared his views on wildfire management and the climate crisis through a series of tweets. Huffman, who succeeded Lynn Woolsey in Congress and previously served in the California State Assembly, emphasizes bipartisan efforts and government responsibility in addressing these pressing issues.

On January 22, 2025, Rep. Huffman announced a bipartisan bill co-authored with Jay Obernolte that aims to build on investments from the Biden-Harris administration. The bill is designed to prepare communities for worst-case scenarios and address factors contributing to increasingly destructive wildfires. "My bipartisan bill with @JayObernolte builds on investments from the Biden-Harris admin so we can prepare our communities for worst-case scenarios and address the build-up of issues that make wildfires more destructive than ever."

In another tweet on the same day, Huffman highlighted the impact of the climate crisis on wildfires, which are devastating communities and regions. He called for governmental action to treat these natural disasters like any other by providing resources and empowering communities to build resilience. "The climate crisis is fueling catastrophic wildfires that are ripping through communities, decimating entire regions & destroying lives." He added that "The govt should treat these natural disasters the same way as any other: by providing resources & empowering communities to build resiliency."

Later that day, Huffman criticized Republicans for opposing measures supporting firefighters battling intense blazes. He emphasized that firefighters deserve better compensation for their relentless work under dangerous conditions. "Firefighters are battling apocalyptic blazes around the clock for pennies on the dollar of what they should be paid." He further expressed disappointment stating "Shame on Republicans for voting against what has long been a bipartisan priority."