POLITICO Energy Trump’s Forest Service cuts haven’t sparked disaster — yet
Aug 18, 2025
Cuts to the U.S. Forest Service under President Trump haven't yet led to the wildfire disasters many anticipated. Experts express concern about future risks if budget reductions continue, impacting firefighting support. The podcast also discusses new policies making it harder for wind and solar projects to benefit from federal tax credits, raising questions about the administration's commitment to renewable energy. As current favorable conditions mask underlying problems, the future of wildfire management hangs in the balance.
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Scale And Nature Of Forest Service Cuts
- About 5,000 Forest Service workers left since January, including ~1,600 with wildland firefighting 'red cards'.
- Many red-card holders were non-firefighters like biologists and comms staff who can be called up in extreme situations.
Weather, Not Cuts, Kept Fires Down
- This fire season stayed milder due to favorable spring/summer rainfall and cooler temperatures in key western areas.
- Those weather factors, not policy changes, explain why the cuts haven't yet caused large-scale wildfire disasters.
Prepare For Next Year's Budget Risks
- Congress should scrutinize and likely reject budget proposals that slash state and tribal forestry programs and research tied to wildfire response.
- States must plan contingencies now because federal support could shrink even if Congress resists the cuts.