Contact Congress about H.R. 7578: TORCH Act

Federal land managers and utilities could clear more trees and brush faster in fire-prone areas. Some projects would get larger size limits or skip parts of normal environmental review.

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TORCH Act is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Latest action on H.R. 7578: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects people and groups tied to wildfire work on federal land. That includes federal land agencies, electric utilities, states, tribes, counties, nearby communities, ranchers, and people concerned about wildlife or historic places. The biggest changes would happen in forests, powerline corridors, grazing areas, recreation areas, and other places where fire risk work takes place.

Why this matters: Wildfire prevention work can take a long time under current federal review rules. This bill would let some tree clearing, brush removal, grazing, and powerline work move faster. That could help reduce fire danger near communities and electrical lines. It could also mean fewer environmental and historic-resource checks for some projects, so the real effects would depend on how agencies and utilities use the new powers.

Key provisions in H.R. 7578

• The Agriculture Secretary would have one year to create a NEPA shortcut for high-priority hazardous-tree projects up to 3,000 acres. NEPA is the law that usually requires federal environmental review, and the shortcut could not be used in places like wilderness or inventoried roadless areas.
• The bill raises a Forest Service timber sale limit from $10,000 to $50,000. It also lets the Agriculture Secretary sell or dispose of trees or forest products without an appraisal when extreme risks exist, such as catastrophic wildfire or severe storms.
• The Forest Service would have to create a plan to use more livestock grazing to reduce wildfire risk and help land recover after fires. The plan must include targeted grazing and more use of temporary permits.
• Cross-boundary wildfire projects could keep going longer. The bill extends that Healthy Forests Restoration Act authority from 2023 to 2030.
• Several wildfire and forest restoration projects could cover much more land. The bill raises the cap from 3,000 acres to 10,000 acres for certain wildfire resilience projects, collaborative restoration projects, and fuel breaks.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 7578

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 7578

What is H.R. 7578?

Federal land managers and utilities could clear more trees and brush faster in fire-prone areas. Some projects would get larger size limits or skip parts of normal environmental review.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 7578?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 7578?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 7578 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.