The Democratic governor stated that climate change was real and is now a reality. "And we must take action."The Bootleg Wildfire, which is burning near Oregon's border to California, has now charred over 400,000 acres.Brown pointed out that the state has dealt with many other federal emergencies declarations, in addition to the ongoing Covid Pandemic. These include wildfires last autumn, ice storms February and a heatwave in the Pacific Northwest this Summer which has been blamed on more than 100 Oregon deaths.Brown stated, "Obviously, it's very concerning that these very hot temperatures will continue."Brown was asked if the federal government was doing enough to address the crisis in the short term, instead of focusing on long-term climate change mitigation. She said that her state has a strong partnership with the Biden administration, which includes federal assistance for wildfire prevention and thinning.Brown stated, "I really appreciate that the president has stepped up and led the way." However, Oregon has a $4 billion-$5 billion problem. These issues will require collaboration across the West. Wildfire is not bound by any jurisdiction, as you know.
