H.R. 1011: Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025, proposes several amendments to the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to enhance support for agricultural producers and private forest landowners who face damage due to emergencies, including wildfires. Here is a summary of the key changes the bill aims to implement:

Amendments to the Emergency Conservation Program

The bill suggests revisions to Section 401 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978, which governs the emergency conservation program. The main points include:

• **Expanded Emergency Measures**: The program will now cover other emergency conservation measures beyond just fencing. This inclusion allows agricultural producers to seek assistance for a broader range of activities necessary for rehabilitation of farmland.
• **Flexible Payment Options**: Producers will have the option to receive a percentage of payments in advance for specific repairs or replacements related to conservation efforts. Specifically, they could receive up to 75% of the payment for replacing or rehabilitating structures based on fair market value before undertaking the work. For repairs, they could receive up to 50% in advance.
• **Clarification on Wildfire Damage**: The definition of wildfires eligible for aid is clarified to include those not naturally caused, including fires that spread due to federal government action.

Improvements to the Emergency Forest Restoration Program

The bill proposes enhancements to Section 407 of the Agricultural Credit Act, specifically focusing on owners of nonindustrial private forest land. Key changes include:

• **Advance Payments for Emergency Measures**: Landowners will be given the option to receive up to 75% of the estimated costs for emergency measures prior to carrying them out. This ensures that they have the necessary funds available to address urgent needs without delay.
• **Funding Return Requirements**: If the funds advanced are not used within 180 days, the recipients are required to return the unused funds within a reasonable time frame set by the Secretary. This clause is intended to ensure efficient use of resources.

Overall Goals of the Bill

The proposed amendments are designed to remove barriers that agricultural producers and forest landowners face in accessing funds for emergency recovery efforts. By allowing earlier access to funds and broadening the scope of what can be classified as emergency work, the bill aims to facilitate faster recovery and rehabilitation in the aftermath of damaging events such as wildfires.

Relevant Companies

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