NATIONAL COMMISSION ON WILDFIRE DISASTERS.

SEC. 102. NATIONAL COMMISSION ON WILDFIRE DISASTERS. (a) Establishment.— There is hereby established a National Commission on Wildfire Disasters (hereafter referred to as the “Commission”) which shall study the effects of disastrous wildfires, resulting from natural or other causes, and make recommendations concerning the steps necessary for a smooth and timely transition from the loss of natural resources due to such fires. (b) Composition.— (1) The Commission shall be composed of 25 members. Thirteen members shall be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture with at least one from each of the following groups: the timber industry, nonindustrial private forest landowners, State or local officials, employees of the Department of Agriculture, scientists from the academic community, wildlife biologists, members of private nonprofit forestry organizations, members of environmental organizations, and community leaders. Twelve members shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, with at least one from each of the following groups: State or local officials, employees of the Department of the Interior, scientists from the academic 104 STAT. 172community, wildlife biologists, members of environmental organizations, members of private nonprofit national park organizations, conservationists, community leaders, and fire ecologists. (2) The two Secretaries shall each appoint no more than three members from any one State and shall each appoint at least five members from areas affected by wildfires since 1986. (3) In making appointments under this subsection, the Secretary of Agriculture shall consider nominations submitted by the following Members of Congress: (A) The chairman of the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives. (B) The ranking minority member of the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives. (C) The chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate. (D) The ranking minority member of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate. (4) In making appointments under this subsection, the Secretary of the Interior shall consider nominations submitted by the following Members of Congress: (A) The chairman of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives. (B) The ranking minority member of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives. (C) The chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate. (D) The ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate. (c) Vacancy.— A vacancy on the Commission shall be filled by appointment in the manner provided in subsection (b) by the Secretary making the initial appointment. (d) Chairperson.— The Commission shall elect a chairperson from among the members of the Commission by a majority vote. (e) Meetings.— The Commission shall meet at the call of the chairperson or a majority of the members of the Commission.