For Immediate Release
Contact: Edgar Ruiz
(916) 501-5070
March 14, 2025
CSG West Wildfire & Disaster Preparedness Committee
Oregon Senator David Brock Smith and Nevada Assemblymember Howard Watts Lead CSG West Committee on Wildfire & Disaster Preparedness
Sacramento, California – The Council of State Governments West (CSG West) has launched the Wildfires & Disaster Preparedness Committee for the 2025-26 biennium, co-chaired by Oregon Senator David Brock Smith and Nevada Assemblymember Howard Watts. This newly established committee will serve as a critical forum for Western policymakers to collaborate on solutions for mitigating wildfires and other natural disasters.
Western states have faced devastating wildfires in recent years, resulting in significant loss of life, destruction of communities, and financial strain on state and local governments. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, CSG West leadership created the committee to focus on key areas such as wildfire preparedness, prevention, mitigation, and financial impacts.
“I am honored to co-lead this vital committee and to work with fellow Western legislators to identify effective strategies for reducing fuel loads across the landscape, and the devastating financial and environmental impacts of wildfires in our region,” said Senator Brock Smith.
Assemblymember Watts emphasized the committee’s proactive approach, stating, “As another fire season approaches, it is essential that we improve coordination with federal agencies and other stakeholders to enhance disaster preparedness and response efforts.”
The Wildfires & Disaster Preparedness Committee will convene virtually throughout the year and in person at the 78th CSG West Annual Meeting in Jackson, Wyoming, this September. As co-chairs, Senator Brock Smith and Assemblymember Watts will collaborate with committee members from Western states to set priorities, develop agendas, and engage with western congressional lawmakers, federal agencies, and industry experts for positive change.
CSG West is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization supporting Western state legislatures. For more information, please contact CSG West Director Edgar Ruiz at eruiz@csg.org
Yours Truly,
 Senator David Brock Smith
Together, We Will Build a Better Oregon
 Senate District 1
Curry, Coos, and Douglas Counties
Southwest Oregon’s Fish, Farm, and Forestry District.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1701
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-316, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen.DavidBrockSmith@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/smithd
| 
