WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) introduced the Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority Act alongside Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). This bipartisan bill extends the Good Neighbor Authority program from 10 years to 20 years to allow the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to partner with state, tribal, and local partners to address wildfire risk and improve forest health.

“California is no stranger to devastating wildfires, and we need every tool available to better manage our forests and reduce this growing threat,” said Congressman Valadao. "By strengthening long-term collaboration between federal, state, tribal, and local partners, the Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority Act will take a more proactive approach to forest management and wildfire prevention. I’m proud to work alongside Rep. Panetta on this bipartisan effort to better protect our communities.”

"Our forests can't be protected and preserved on a short timeline, and neither can the partnerships it takes to protect them," said Rep. Panetta. "The Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority Act extends agreement terms between the federal government and states, counties, and Tribal governments up to 20 years, giving these partners the stability they need to conduct the forest restoration and recreation work that our communities depend on. With long-term partnerships, we can give our forests and public lands the sustained attention they need to thrive for generations to come."

“Forest management requires a long-term commitment as well as predictable and sustainable tools for those performing critical work," said Jay Farrell, Executive Director of the National Association of State Foresters. “Good Neighbor Authority is a proven and time-tested cross boundary tool for State Foresters and federal land managers to address wildfire risk and increase forest health, while providing economic benefit to rural communities. We thank Representative Valadao for his leadership, and we look forward to ensuring policies are in place to establish greater stability and predictability for states to fully leverage Good Neighbor Authority.”

Background:

The Good Neighbor Authority (GNA), first authorized in the 2014 Farm Bill, allows the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to partner with states, tribes, and local governments to carry out critical forest management and restoration work on federal lands. These partnerships have proven effective in reducing wildfire risk, improving forest health, and supporting rural economies. However, current GNA agreements are limited in duration, creating uncertainty for long-term projects that require sustained planning and investment. The Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority Act addresses that gap by authorizing agreements of up to 20 years, providing partners with the certainty needed to undertake large-scale, cross-boundary restoration efforts.

Read the bill here.

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