Wildfire Response Improvement Act

Wildfire Response Improvement Act

This bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to take specified actions to address issues related to wildfire and drought.

Specifically, FEMA must

• issue such regulations as necessary to update the categories of eligibility and timelines for the fire management assistance program under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to be the same as such categories and timelines under the Public Assistance Program;
• issue such regulations as necessary to update the Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide to include guidance on the wildfire-specific challenges, including debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the resulting toxicity of drinking water resources; and
• conduct a review of the benefit cost analysis criteria for mitigation projects under the Stafford Act to consider a broader range of factors, including carbon sequestration, improved water quality, and lessening disaster impact on traditionally underserved communities.

The Wildfire Response Improvement Act, also known as Bill 117 hr 8516, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to improve the response to wildfires in the United States.

One key aspect of the Wildfire Response Improvement Act is the establishment of a national wildfire response coordination center. This center would be responsible for coordinating the response to wildfires across federal, state, and local agencies. By centralizing coordination efforts, the hope is that response times can be improved and resources can be allocated more efficiently.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for increasing funding for wildfire response efforts. This includes funding for equipment, training, and personnel to better equip agencies to respond to wildfires effectively. The bill also aims to improve communication and coordination between agencies to ensure a more cohesive and effective response to wildfires. Overall, the Wildfire Response Improvement Act seeks to address the growing threat of wildfires in the United States by improving coordination, funding, and communication efforts. By taking a proactive approach to wildfire response, the hope is that the impact of wildfires can be minimized and communities can be better protected.