Two New Mexico senators are hoping to prevent more wildfires from happening across the country.
On Thursday, Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D - New Mexico) introduced the "National Wildland and Fire Risk Reduction Program Act." The federal legislation would identify and invest in research and development, set up warning and forecast systems, develop observation and sensing technologies, and standardize data collection efforts to improve the nation’s preparedness, resilience, and response to wildfires. The bill is also co-sponsored by Sen. Martin Heinrich (D - New Mexico).
"These fires are devastating," Luján said. "It's important that we all volunteer, that we all help, that we pass legislation, that we secure financial support or emergency declarations. Whatever our role is, we all need to do well at it now because families need our help."