PERC Viewpoints is a monthly series featuring original columns focusing on free market solutions to environmental issues, renewable energy and forest management. The opinions of guest authors do not necessarily represent the policy positions of the Frontier Institute.
"Protecting old-growth forests from wildfire risks is a worthy cause, but simply spending more money on existing bureaucratic processes will not solve the problem."
"Punishing Good Samaritans with unlimited liability for doing good when an original mine owner is nowhere to be found is the wrong approach."
"The focus on active restoration instead of strict preservation will go a long way to confront the wildfire crisis, but only if red tape and regulatory challenges don’t interfere."
"Advances in geothermal energy technology provide Montana the opportunity to enhance our energy sector while powering the nation."
Money alone will not solve the problem if lawsuits continue to hold up on-the-ground projects. Reforming litigation will improve the ability to effectively put resources to work in our forests.
Over just a few years, Montana has proven a capable leader in conducting forest restoration work on federal lands under a Good Neighbor Authority agreement.
It's time for Montana to reassess what it can do to reduce future wildfire risk.
After a summer of flames and smoke, policymakers can—and must—improve policies to reduce the risk of future catastrophic wildfires.