July 12, 2012

Rep. Kristi Noem spoke in the House Agriculture Committee in support of her amendment to increase the number of acres for categorical exclusions to be used for pine beetle mitigation efforts in USDA-designated areas as part of the National Forest Critical Area Response from 1,000 to 10,000. Categorical exclusions are typically used as an emergency, rapid-response for areas needing immediate attention due to the threat of wildfire or spread of pine beetles. Rep. Noem's argument convinced Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-MN) to support her amendment, which passed with bipartisan support.