Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2025
Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the bill does:** This bill would allow the U.S. Forest Service to streamline the process for removing trees and vegetation near electrical power lines on federal forest lands. Currently, utilities must go through lengthy timber sale procedures to clear vegetation around power lines. Under this bill, the Forest Service could instead include tree-removal permissions directly in utility permits or easements, making the process faster.
The goal is to reduce fire hazards caused by trees falling on power lines or vegetation catching fire near electrical infrastructure. **Key provisions and who it affects:** The bill applies only to Forest Service lands and requires that any vegetation removal still comply with existing forest management plans and environmental laws. If a utility company sells the removed trees or wood, it must share the profits (minus transportation costs) with the Forest Service. This primarily affects electrical utility companies and forest management, potentially reducing wildfire risks in areas where power lines run through forests—a concern in fire-prone regions like California. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress (2025) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2025This bill allows the Forest Service to expedite the removal of trees or other vegetation near electrical lines on its lands under certain circumstances. Specifically, the Forest Service may include in special use permits or easements provided to electrical utilities permission to cut, remove, and sell trees or other vegetation near electrical lines on such lands without a separate timber sale if the cutting or removal is consistent with (1) the applicable land and resource management plan, and (2) other applicable environmental laws.A special use permit or easement that includes permission for cutting and removal of trees or vegetation must include a requirement that, if the applicable electrical utility sells any portion of the material removed under the permit or easement, the utility must provide to the Forest Service any proceeds received from the sale, less any transportation costs incurred in the sale.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.