I wanted to share a few video clips from the wildfire hearing. I asked the question raised in Wednesday’s discussion about global warming expanding the areas at risk of wildfires, and what is being done to educate the public in those states.
I asked the question both to Forest Service Chief Gail Kimbell:
And to our panel of scientists:
While this was the question I chose, all of your comments and ideas were helpful in preparing for the hearing. In addition to the question on the expansion of at-risk areas,Wednesday's conversation contained several great comments on land use and smart growth strategies that I was tempted to raise. However, I felt it was important to keep the hearing focused on the link between forest fires and global warming.
One of the most interesting points to come from the hearing was Chief Kimbell’s statement that global warming was indeed having an impact on the intensity, frequency and size of wildfires. I applauded her frankness, but was curious why just two weeks ago the White House chose to censor the same statement from Julie Gerberding, Director of Center for Disease Control, when she testified before the Senate. I have more information and a press release on this contradiction located on the Select Committee website.
Thank you again. This was a great exercise in opening up government and the hearing process to a wider audience. I look forward to doing it again.