In a spirited Assembly Floor Session on May 8, 2025, California lawmakers united across party lines to pass Assembly Joint Resolution 10 (AJR 10), a measure urging the President of the United States to restore funding to the U.S. Forest Service. The resolution, introduced by Assemblymember Rogers, highlights the critical role of national forests in California, particularly in the wake of devastating wildfires that have ravaged communities.

As the session unfolded, Assemblymember Rogers passionately addressed the assembly, emphasizing the contradiction in federal policy that lectures California on forest management while simultaneously cutting resources essential for maintaining these vital lands. "What the president is doing to these national forests is treasonous," Rogers declared, underscoring the urgency of the situation for districts heavily reliant on forest health for safety and economic stability.

The resolution received overwhelming bipartisan support, with no votes against it. Assemblymember Bennett echoed the sentiments of his colleagues, pointing out that California's national forests not only provide clean air and biodiversity but also serve as crucial carbon sinks in the face of climate change. He stressed the need for a strong partnership with the federal government to manage these resources effectively.

Assemblymember Spohr added that adequate funding is essential for the management and conservation of forests, which contribute significantly to local economies through recreation and tourism. The assembly members collectively voiced their concerns about the staffing cuts at the Forest Service, which have hindered essential functions like trail maintenance and wildfire prevention.

Assemblymember Hart highlighted the dangers posed by understaffing, particularly in fire-prone regions like the Los Padres National Forest, where reduced personnel compromises safety and ecological integrity. He called for a reaffirmation of California's commitment to stewardship and the protection of public lands.

Despite the strong support for AJR 10, some members raised concerns about the rhetoric surrounding the resolution. Assemblymember De Maio cautioned against using the measure to shift blame for failures in state policy, urging a focus on collaborative efforts to address wildfire management.

As the session concluded, the assembly members expressed a shared commitment to advocate for California's forests and the communities that depend on them. With AJR 10 now passed, the resolution will serve as a formal request to the federal government to prioritize forest management and funding, signaling California's determination to protect its natural treasures for future generations.