Assembly OKs Sen. Dodd’s Cultural Burn Bill

SACRAMENTO – The California Assembly today approved legislation from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa that would allow Native American tribes to play a larger role in conducting controlled burns, a proven wildfire prevention method, helping to safeguard the state.

“We all know the seriousness of the wildfire threat in California,” Sen. Dodd said. “We must do everything in our power to prevent and prepare for them. That includes having the best tools in our toolbox to attack the problem. This proposal will help our communities become safer and more resilient. I thank Assembly members for their support. ”

Under Sen. Dodd’s proposal, Senate Bill 310, the process for tribal governments to participate in the time-tested wildfire prevention technique would be streamlined. Instead of seeking separate approval from the state for each individual burn, the Secretary of Natural Resources would be authorized to reach agreements with California Native American tribes to waive state permitting and regulatory requirements related to cultural burning within the tribe’s ancestral territories.

Senate Bill 310 is supported by the Karuk Tribe and the California Farm Bureau, among many others. It passed the Assembly by unanimous vote and heads next to Gov. Gavin Newsom for a signature following a Senate concurrence vote.

“Native Americans have been conducting controlled burns with great success for thousands of years,” Sen. Dodd said. “My bill will help tribes participate in this time-tested form of wildfire prevention on tribal lands. It is an important piece of the puzzle for keep California safe.”

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties. More information on Senator Bill Dodd can be found at www.senate.ca.gov/dodd.