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News
from Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin
HOUSE PASSES BILL TO HELP SOUTH DAKOTA FIGHT FOREST FIRES Herseth Sandlin Moves Compact Bill Through House – Next Step is President’s Desk
July 30, 2007, Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin today secured passage of key legislation to help fight forest fires in South Dakota. The bill, S. 975, grants Congressional approval to an interstate forest fire protection compact, which will allow South Dakota, Colorado and Wyoming to share resources to fight forest fires. North Dakota will also be able to join the compact agreement. Rep. Herseth Sandlin introduced the bill in the House, and spoke in its favor on the House floor. The bill now goes to the President’s desk for his signature. Rep. Herseth Sandlin said, “Once signed into law, this legislation will immediately allow South Dakota, Colorado, and Wyoming to work directly with each other and pool their resources to rapidly address wildfire conditions. This authority will be especially critical as we move into August and even deeper into fire season.” The bill enjoys support from South Dakota’s Senators Tim Johnson and John Thune, as well as Governor Rounds. The South Dakota State Legislature ratified the agreement in 2006. Wyoming and Colorado have also ratified the agreement; North Dakota is able to enter the compact pending its ratification. Rep. Herseth Sandlin added, “Earlier this month, I visited areas devastated by the Alabaugh Canyon Fire, which consumed over 10,000 acres, destroyed more than 30 homes and tragically killed one person. Only the tireless and professional work by emergency response staff in South Dakota stopped this fire from becoming even worse. The fire season is far from over, however, and this bill will immediately assist their brave efforts, and hopefully make them even more effective while enhancing their safety.” # # #
Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin serves South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives. She is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raising the profile of issues important to rural America. She also serves on three committees vital to South Dakota’s interests: Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and Natural Resources. In the 110th Congress, Rep. Herseth Sandlin was appointed to serve on the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.
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