Pushes for Senate Confirmation of Forest Service Chief 

WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT)  introduced the Forest Service Accountability Act, legislation designed to bring greater transparency and public accountability to the leadership of the U.S. Forest Service. The bill would change the Chief of the Forest Service position from a career appointment to a presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed role.

“The Forest Service oversees nearly 200 million acres of public land—an area larger than the state of Texas—that directly impacts the livelihoods and lifestyles of millions of Americans, including thousands in Utah,” said Senator Lee. “From grazing and recreation to timber harvesting and wildfire management, the Chief of the Forest Service has an immense influence on the daily lives of Americans. It’s time for this position to be accountable to the people affected by its decisions through their elected representatives in Congress.”

The Forest Service Accountability Act reflects the evolution of the Forest Service’s mission over the years, from focusing on commodity production to managing vast natural resources and public lands. Recognizing this shift, the bill ensures that the Chief is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, allowing Congress—and the public—to have a say in the agency’s leadership.

Since its establishment in 1905 under the Department of Agriculture, the Forest Service has been overseen by a Chief appointed internally by the Secretary of Agriculture. Senator Lee’s legislation recognizes the need for updated oversight that aligns with the agency’s significant impact on public lands and natural resources management.

Key Provisions of the Forest Service Accountability Act:

• Requires the President to nominate a Chief of the Forest Service, subject to Senate confirmation

• Establishes qualification criteria, requiring nominees to have substantial experience and demonstrated competence in forest and natural resource management

• Refers nominations to both the Senate Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for thorough review

• Mandates the President to submit a nomination for the position within 30 days of the bill’s enactment

Bill text | One-pager 

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