Introductory Statement on S. 4103

Introductory Statement on S. 4103

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 47 (Monday, March 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 47 (Monday, March 16, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S1056] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] By Mr. PADILLA (for himself and Mr. Curtis): S. 4103. A bill to improve the health and resiliency of giant sequoias, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Mr. PADILLA. Mr. President, I rise today to reintroduce the bipartisan and bicameral Save Our Sequoias Act, This bill would enhance interagency coordination, accelerate forest restoration efforts, and provide important resources to land managers to guard, sequoia trees from further destruction. Specifically this legislation, would, one, codify the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition; two, require the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to work with the coalition and other relevant stakeholders to develop and implement a strategy to enhance the reforestation and rehabilitation of giant sequoia groves; three, provide congressional support for the use of existing emergency authorities to expedite sequoia wildfire resiliency projects; four, allow the Forest Service and National Park Service to partner with States, Tribes, local governments, or private entities to conduct resiliency projects in and around giant sequoia groves; and five, establish a philanthropic fund through the National Park Foundation to promote the resiliency of giant sequoias. Giant sequoias, the world's largest trees, are found in roughly 70 groves across 37,000 acres in California. Over the last century, giant sequoia groves have experienced a dangerous buildup of fuels, which, in combination with increasingly intense wildfires, has caused unparalleled destruction. In the last 2 years alone, there has been a nearly 20 percent loss of these iconic trees. For millennia, giant sequoia trees have been a hallmark of California's rich natural heritage. We must work collaboratively to protect these California icons from the threat of climate change and make sure they are preserved for generations to come. I want to thank the late Senator Feinstein for leading this effort during her time in the Senate. As a public lands champion and lover of California's natural landscape, she understood the need to protect our environment, and I am honored to continue this vital work. I also went to thank my colleague and friend Senator Curtis for coleading this effort with me in the Senate. Finally, I want to thank my California colleagues Representatives Fong and Peters, for leading this legislation in the House. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance the Save Our Sequoias Act as quickly as possible. ______

Referenced legislation: S4103