S. 2039: Wildfire Risk Evaluation Act

This bill is titled the Wildfire Risk Evaluation Act, and it aims to improve the management of wildfires in the United States through a structured and cooperative approach among federal agencies. The bill establishes a requirement for a quadrennial review, which means that every four years, the Secretaries of Agriculture, the Interior, and Homeland Security will jointly evaluate the current wildfire situation in the country.

Key Provisions

• The quadrennial fire review will involve analyzing changes in both built and natural environments since the last review, assessing how these changes impact wildfire management.
• The review will also examine the relationship between wildfires and public health, requiring coordination with environmental and health agencies.
• Reports summarizing the findings from these reviews must be submitted to designated congressional committees within one year of the Act's enactment and every four years thereafter for the next 20 years.
• The reports will identify anticipated wildfire challenges over the following two decades and provide recommendations for legislative and administrative actions needed to address these challenges.
• The bill emphasizes a collaborative approach to wildfire management, involving federal, state, tribal, and local authorities in decision-making and planning processes.

Objectives of the Bill

The primary objectives of the Wildfire Risk Evaluation Act are:

• Forecast the conditions that might pose significant challenges for wildfire management in the coming years.
• Develop long-term strategies to address the identified challenges in wildfire management.
• Utilize the best available science to create resilient landscapes, promote fire-adapted communities, and ensure safe wildfire response operations.

Interagency Cooperation

The bill highlights the need for a whole-of-government approach, which means multiple government agencies at different levels will need to work together to manage wildfire risks effectively. It stresses that it is essential for all relevant officials to be involved in planning and responding to wildfire events.

Duration and Accountability

The Act not only mandates periodic reviews but also ensures that there is accountability through the submission of comprehensive reports to Congress that detail progress, challenges, and recommendations over an extensive timeline of 20 years.

Relevant Companies

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