Edward Ring Testifies before Congress on the California Fires and the Consequences of Overregulation

Edward Ring, Director of Water and Energy Policy at California Policy Center, testified before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Administrative State,

Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust on Thursday, February 7, 2025. The hearing, “California Fires and the Consequences of Overregulation,” examined the ways years of overregulation on environmental issues has thwarted effective fire prevention strategies in California.

Read Ring’s written testimony, which includes in-depth recommendations collected from more than a dozen experts around the state on much-needed state and federal reforms, here.

• Watch the full hearing here.

• Watch Ring’s answer on removing financial incentives for environmental groups that file frivolous lawsuits that stop effective forest management here.
• Watch Ring’s answer on bringing back practical strategies to manage California’s forests here.

Other Useful Resources by Edward Ring

Fire Prevention and Resilience in California: A Blueprint for Government Leaders

Local elected officials can play a critical role in reshaping state policies and overcoming bureaucratic obstacles that have long hindered California’s wildfire preparedness. This blueprint includes recommendations that provide a roadmap for enhancing fire prevention and readiness across California, empowering local leaders to protect their communities from future disasters.​

Report: Modern Forest Management

This in-depth report is essential reading on the mismanagement of California’s forests, and includes recommendations on how state and federal leaders can advance effective wildfire prevention.