Forest Service Accountability Act

This bill would change how the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service is chosen. Instead of being picked internally, the Chief would be appointed by the President and must be approved by the Senate. The person selected must have real, proven experience in managing forests and natural resources. If the law takes effect while someone is already serving, the President would still need to send a nomination to the Senate within 30 days.

Key points:

• Who is affected: The U.S. Forest Service and the public who rely on national forests.
• What changes: The Chief becomes a Senate-confirmed presidential appointee and must meet experience requirements.
• When: After the law takes effect; a nomination must be sent within 30 days even if there is already a Chief in place.