What does Preamble of Wildfire Emergency Act of 2025 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to select and implement landscape-scale forest restoration projects, to assist communities in increasing their resilience to wildfire, and for other purposes,' aims to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to select and implement landscape-scale forest restoration projects. The bill also intends to assist communities in increasing their resilience to wildfire. The bill was introduced by Mr. Padilla, along with Mr. Daines, and Ms. Rosen.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Wildfire Emergency Act of 2025 do?

This section defines terms used within the title related to conservation finance. A 'conservation finance agreement' is a mutual benefit agreement lasting 2-20 years, potentially contingent on funding, and may include cancellation payments. A 'conservation finance project' is conducted on National Forest System land, uses a debt financing model, and focuses on ecological restoration treatments. These projects must be eligible for funding under the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program or other specified programs. A 'conservation finance project beneficiary' benefits from project outcomes and either provides capital or repays loaned capital. A 'conservation finance project developer' assists in developing, financing, funding, or implementing these projects. The term 'ecological integrity' and 'restoration' are defined by reference to specific sections of the Code of Federal Regulations. The 'Secretary' refers to the Secretary of Agriculture.

What does PURPOSE. of Wildfire Emergency Act of 2025 do?

This title aims to accelerate and expand forest restoration and land management projects within the National Forest System. It authorizes a pilot program using conservation finance agreements to attract additional investment beyond Forest Service appropriations. The program seeks to leverage Federal and non-Federal funding for landscape-scale projects and related infrastructure. Project planning should scale up to at least 100,000 acres. Supported projects prioritize reintroducing characteristic fire, restoring ecological integrity, and reducing wildfire risk. Ecological standards and collaboration are required for landscape-scale projects. Coordination with Federal, State, local, and Tribal entities is mandated to support the pilot program.

What does CONSERVATION FINANCE AGREEMENTS. of Wildfire Emergency Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes a pilot program allowing the Secretary to enter into conservation finance agreements with public or private entities for conservation projects. The Secretary must find that there's a reasonable expectation of continued funding and sufficient supply of materials like small-diameter timber or hazardous fuels. Projects must assist in achieving purposes described in section 102 and involve a conservation finance project developer. The Secretary cannot delegate authority to a Federal official serving under the Chief of the Forest Service. The pilot program is limited to 20 agreements with a total obligation of no more than $250,000,000, and no single agreement exceeding $50,000,000. Projects prioritizing restoration strategies on larger landscapes (100,000 acres or more) receive priority. Agreements may be canceled, terminated, or modified if funding is insufficient, and the Secretary may pay cancellation costs from available appropriations. Cancellation or termination provisions may be included to address recurring and nonrecurring costs. The non-Federal cost share for projects is at least 40%, with potential for increased Forest Service reimbursement in low-income communities. Conservation finance agreements may incorporate authorities for stewardship contracting projects under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003.

What does REPORT EVALUATING IMPLEMENTATION. of Wildfire Emergency Act of 2025 do?

This section requires the Secretary to submit a report evaluating the implementation of the title. The report is due within four years of the Act's enactment. The report must include a list of conservation finance agreements and their accomplishments. The report must evaluate the pilot authority for conservation finance agreements described in section 103. The evaluation of the pilot authority should assess whether it increased non-Federal funding for forest restoration. The evaluation should also consider whether the authority promoted private investment in areas like infrastructure, prescribed fire, economic development, and natural infrastructure. The report must identify any barriers limiting the broader use of the pilot project authority.

What does CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND MICROGRID PROGRAM. of Wildfire Emergency Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes the Critical Infrastructure and Microgrid Program within the Department of Energy. The program aims to enhance the energy resilience and power needs of critical facilities through microgrids, renewable energy, and energy efficiency measures. Critical facilities are defined as those used to save lives, protect property, or avert catastrophes, including hospitals, schools, utility stations, and federal facilities. The Secretary of Energy is responsible for determining which facilities fall under the 'communications sector' and 'chemical sector' categories. The program will also focus on improving energy efficiency, facilitating information sharing, and providing consumer-facing resources on electricity resilience. The Secretary must ensure the provision of on-site backup power using renewable resources and the installation of interoperable technologies at the transmission and distribution level. The Secretary is required to solicit input from various stakeholders, including state energy regulators, electric utilities, and local governments. A total of $100,000,000 is authorized for the program, with up to 10% allocated for administrative costs.

What does RETROFITS FOR FIRE-RESILIENT COMMUNITIES. of Wildfire Emergency Act of 2025 do?

This section amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to include fire-resistant materials within the definition of weatherization materials. The Weatherization Program is modified to require owners of dwelling units to use fire-and drought-resistant building materials and incorporate wildfire and drought prevention planning. Section 415(c) of the Act is amended to adjust financial assistance limits for weatherization programs. The average cost limit for financial assistance is increased to $13,000, adjusted annually for inflation, with potential for further adjustments by the Secretary. The limit for emergency weatherization assistance is increased to $6,000, adjusted annually for inflation.

What does WILDFIRE DETECTION, MONITORING, AND ANALYSIS EQUIPMENT. of Wildfire Emergency Act of 2025 do?

This section amends the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 by adding Section 607 regarding wildfire detection, monitoring, and analysis equipment. The Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior are directed to expedite the placement of wildfire detection equipment in at-risk areas. The Secretaries are also tasked with expanding the use of satellite, remote sensing, and mobile technologies to improve wildfire response and firefighter safety. Permitting processes for the installation, maintenance, or removal of wildfire detection equipment are to be expedited. A review of permitting and procurement requirements for wildfire detection equipment is required, considering modern and innovative technology. The Secretaries are directed to support the public disclosure of nonconfidential wildland fire data, consistent with the OPEN Government Data Act. The use of new and existing technologies is mandated to analyze the performance and effectiveness of wildfire suppression.

What does WESTERN PRESCRIBED FIRE CENTERS. of Wildfire Emergency Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes one or more centers to train individuals in prescribed fire methods and wildfire risk mitigation. The centers must be located at or developed in collaboration with institutions of higher education. The centers' goals include training, research, and developing interdisciplinary science related to wildfire, including social science and human dimensions. Needs assessments will be conducted among stakeholders like Federal and State agencies and Indian Tribes to identify wildfire risk reduction challenges. Collaboration with Federal wildfire scientists and technology transfer are also key goals. The centers will focus on areas like disaster resilience, mitigation methods, air quality, and debris flow forecasting. The centers must be located in states west of the 100th meridian. The Secretaries will consult with the Joint Fire Science Program to evaluate location proposals and select a location within one year of the Act's enactment.

What does INNOVATIVE FOREST WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. of Wildfire Emergency Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes the Innovative Forest Workforce Development Program. The program authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a competitive grant program. Grants will support workforce development in forestry and fire management and expand public awareness of related career opportunities. Grant recipients may include nonprofit organizations, labor organizations, state agencies, community colleges, and institutions of higher education. Eligible grant activities include targeted internships, apprenticeships, education programs, curriculum development, regional collaborations, learning laboratories, and leadership development programs. The program aims to train individuals in areas such as prescribed fire implementation, retrofitting houses with fire-resistant materials, urban forestry, and vegetation management near utility infrastructure.

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Wildfire Emergency Act of 2025

Last updated: 7/17/2025 · Introduced: 1/30/2025

Author: Alex Padilla (D-CA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a pilot program allowing the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into conservation finance agreements to attract investment in landscape-scale forest restoration projects on National Forest System land, prioritizing projects over 100,000 acres.
The bill creates the Critical Infrastructure and Microgrid Program within the Department of Energy to enhance the energy resilience of critical facilities through microgrids, renewable energy, and energy efficiency measures, authorizing $100 million in funding.
It amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to include fire-resistant materials in the definition of weatherization materials and increases financial assistance limits for weatherization programs, particularly for fire-resistant retrofits.
The bill directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to expedite the placement of wildfire detection equipment in at-risk areas and expand the use of technology to improve wildfire response and firefighter safety.
This legislation establishes the Innovative Forest Workforce Development Program to provide grants for workforce training in forestry and fire management, focusing on areas like prescribed fire and retrofitting homes with fire-resistant materials.

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Includes provisions on preamble, definitions., and 3 more.

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TITLE II

-INCREASING COMMUNITY RESILIENCE TO WILDFIRE

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