A bill to amend the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to expedite wildfire prevention projects to reduce the risk of wildfire on certain high-risk Federal land, and for other purposes.

2/5/2025, 11:56 AM

Summary of Bill S 395

Bill 119 s 395, also known as the Wildfire Prevention Act, aims to make changes to the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 in order to speed up wildfire prevention projects on high-risk Federal land. The bill is designed to reduce the risk of wildfires by allowing for expedited processes for projects that focus on preventing and mitigating the impact of wildfires.

The main goal of the bill is to address the increasing threat of wildfires on Federal land, particularly in areas that are at high risk for wildfires. By streamlining the process for implementing wildfire prevention projects, the bill aims to improve the overall health and safety of these lands, as well as protect nearby communities from the devastating effects of wildfires.

In addition to expediting wildfire prevention projects, the bill also includes provisions for improving coordination between Federal, state, and local agencies involved in wildfire prevention efforts. This coordination is crucial for ensuring that resources are effectively allocated and that projects are carried out in a timely and efficient manner. Overall, Bill 119 s 395 is focused on enhancing wildfire prevention efforts on high-risk Federal land in order to reduce the risk of wildfires and protect both the environment and nearby communities. The bill aims to achieve these goals through expedited processes and improved coordination between agencies, ultimately working towards a safer and healthier future for Federal lands.

Congressional Summary of S 395

Emergency Fuel Reduction Act of 2025

This bill categorically excludes from the environmental review requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) certain hazardous fuel reduction projects on federal land. A categorical exclusion applies to a class of actions that do not require an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement under NEPA.

The categorical exclusion established by the bill applies to a hazardous fuel reduction project that (1) involves the removal of trees that are dead, dying, or insect-infected or present a threat to public safety; (2) involves the removal of hazardous fuels threatening infrastructure; (3) is conducted on federal land with conditions that pose a risk to adjacent nonfederal land; or (4) treats 10,000 acres or less of federal land that is at particular risk for wildfire, contains threatened and endangered species habitat, or provides conservation benefits to certain species, such as a special concern species.

This categorical exclusion does not apply to federal land (1) that is a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, (2) on which the removal of vegetation is specifically prohibited by federal law, or (3) that is within a national monument as of the date of enactment of this bill.

Current Status of Bill S 395

Bill S 395 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 4, 2025. Bill S 395 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on February 4, 2025. Bill S 395's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. as of February 4, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 395

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 395

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 395

A bill to amend the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to expedite wildfire prevention projects to reduce the risk of wildfire on certain high-risk Federal land, and for other purposes.