WASHINGTON, D.C. (MPG) - Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) was selected to receive the 2025 Congressional Leadership Award from the American Loggers Council (ALC) and the American Biomass Energy Association (ABEA) for his work to support the timber and biomass industries, improve forest management, and reduce wildfire risks.

Each year, American Loggers Council and American Biomass Energy Association recognize one Republican and one Democrat in Congress for their leadership on forestry policy.

“Our forests are in trouble, and the policies coming out of Washington have too often made things worse. Decades of hands-off management have left our forests overgrown and our logging infrastructure on the verge of collapse, all while catastrophic wildfires get worse,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “We need active management, and we need it now. I appreciate this recognition from the American Loggers Council and the American Biomass Energy Association, and I’ll continue working towards solutions that keep our forests healthy and our rural economies strong.”

LaMalfa has led efforts in Congress to cut red tape and restore active management, pushing for legislation that prioritizes wildfire prevention, hazardous fuels reduction, and timber industry stability, including:

The Fix Our Forests Act, which cuts bureaucratic red tape to allow for better forest management.

The TORCH Act, which streamlines wildfire prevention efforts.

The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act, which provides critical funding to rural areas affected by declining timber receipts.

$75 million in federal funding for shaded fuel breaks across California.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba counties.