Forests play a huge role in our climate as carbon sinks, sequestering large amounts of atmospheric carbon (CO2). In 2020, about 13% of U.S. emissions were sequestered by land carbon sinks, including forests. However many forests in the southwest of the U.S. are releasing more carbon than they sequester, as a result of increased wildfires from climate change.

To ensure the best management practices are being used, the farm bill calls for increased federal research funding to assess the carbon and environmental impact of forest health management at the present and over time. Additionally, this funding can track the long-term and short-term outcomes of wildfire treatments, gauging the work accomplished. By having access to this data, we ensure the most efficient and productive approach to saving our nation's forests.