Wildfire Risk and the Power Grid: A Looming Crisis for Rural America
As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense across the American West, electric cooperatives are sounding the alarm about the urgent require for federal action. Leaders from Arizona and Oregon recently testified before Congress, highlighting the crippling delays they face in securing permits to mitigate wildfire risks along power lines. The core issue? Hazardous trees on federal land pose a significant threat and bureaucratic hurdles are preventing proactive solutions.
The 15-Year Permit Nightmare
The challenges are stark. Jason Bowling, CEO of Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative in Arizona, shared the story of a routine project near Fairbank, Arizona, that took over 15 years to approve. Replacing aging power poles and clearing brush – essential wildfire prevention measures – were stalled by a fragmented permitting process involving multiple federal and state agencies with conflicting reviews. “In this case, prevention took weeks. Permitting took years,” Bowling stated.
Oregon’s Volcanic Risk: A Spark Away From Disaster
The situation isn’t unique to Arizona. Jim Anderson, CEO of Midstate Electric Cooperative in Oregon, described a similar predicament. Their power line runs through the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, where trees grow dangerously close to infrastructure. Despite numerous attempts to gain approval for vegetation management, the co-op has faced ongoing roadblocks from the U.S. Forest Service. “In many parts of the utility corridor, the distance between the power line and the trees is perhaps six feet of clearance or less,” Anderson explained.
The Call for Congressional Action: Key Proposals
Cooperative leaders are urging Congress to address these systemic issues. Several key proposals are on the table:
Fix Our Forests Act
Passage of the Fix Our Forests Act is a top priority. This bill aims to strengthen wildfire mitigation and grid resilience by expanding co-ops’ authority to remove hazardous trees within 150 feet of power lines and streamlining the permitting process for clearing fallen timber. The House has already passed the legislation, but Senate approval is still needed.
Expedited Permitting
The Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) should leverage existing authorities and executive orders related to wildfire, land management, and energy to accelerate permitting for wildfire mitigation activities.
Liability Reform
Current liability requirements place a disproportionate burden on not-for-profit cooperatives. They can be held liable for millions of dollars in damages from fires near their equipment, even if they weren’t at fault. Co-op leaders are advocating for reasonable liability caps, reduced strict liability in cases where no fault is found, and a reduction in excessive natural resource damage claims.
Consistent Permitting Policies
Federal land management agencies need to adopt consistent and reasonable permitting policies and improve coordination with one another when reviewing wildfire mitigation projects.
The Broader Implications: Rural Resilience and Energy Security
These aren’t just issues for electric cooperatives; they represent a threat to the resilience of rural communities and the reliability of the nation’s energy infrastructure. Prolonged permitting delays not only increase wildfire risk but similarly hinder efforts to modernize the grid and ensure access to affordable, reliable electricity.
FAQ: Wildfires and Electric Cooperatives
Q: Why are trees near power lines a wildfire risk?
A: Trees falling onto power lines are a common cause of wildfires, especially during dry and windy conditions.
Q: What is the role of electric cooperatives in wildfire mitigation?
A: Electric cooperatives are responsible for maintaining their infrastructure and reducing wildfire risks within their service areas, including vegetation management.
Q: What is the Fix Our Forests Act?
A: It’s a bill designed to streamline the process for electric cooperatives to remove hazardous trees near power lines on federal land.
Q: How does liability affect co-ops’ wildfire mitigation efforts?
A: High liability costs can discourage proactive mitigation efforts, as co-ops may fear financial repercussions even if they aren’t at fault for a fire.
Did you understand? The Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative serves areas near the historic site of Tombstone, Arizona, highlighting the cultural and historical resources at risk from wildfires.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about wildfire prevention efforts in your community and report any potential hazards to your local electric cooperative.
Learn more about wildfire safety and prevention at electric.coop.
