S. 647: Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act of 2025

The Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act of 2025 is designed to enhance wildland fire research in the United States by establishing regional centers dedicated to this purpose. Here are the main components of the bill:

Establishment of Regional Centers

The bill mandates the Secretary of Commerce to set up at least seven regional wildland fire research centers. These centers will focus on understanding and managing wildfires. The regions specified include:

• Alaska
• California
• The Northern Rockies
• The Pacific Northwest
• The Pacific Islands
• The Southeast
• The Southwest

Selection Criteria for Centers

Institutions of higher education or land-grant universities will be selected based on certain criteria such as:

• Existing programs in wildland fire research
• Partnerships with federal or academic research entities
• Participation in the Joint Fire Science Program
• Status as a minority-serving institution

Function and Purpose of Centers

Each center will coordinate research related to wildfires, develop technologies and strategies for predicting and managing wildfires effectively, and improve overall understanding of wildland fire impacts. Specific tasks include:

• Collaboration with various research entities
• Development of predictive models related to fire behavior and smoke
• Creating safer land management strategies
• Addressing post-fire risks, such as flash flooding
• Facilitating knowledge sharing and training in wildfire management

National Center Coordination Board

The bill establishes a National Center Coordination Board to oversee the activities of the regional centers. This Board will:

• Set research priorities
• Coordinate data collection and sharing
• Avoid duplication of efforts across centers and related organizations
• Support the integration of research into fire management practices

Members of the Board will represent each regional center and will be co-chaired by officials from relevant agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Forest Service.

Advisory Boards

Each regional center will also have a Regional Advisory Board composed of members from various agencies, including:

• Wildland fire management agencies
• State government representatives
• Local tribal representatives
• Members with operational expertise in wildfire management

Funding and Appropriations

The bill authorizes appropriations for establishing and administering the regional centers, with specified funding amounts for the fiscal years from 2026 to 2030. The proposed allocations are:

• $60 million for 2026
• $61 million for 2027
• $62 million for 2028
• $63 million for 2029
• $64 million for 2030

Additionally, $1 million is allocated annually for the Board's operations.

Reporting and Consultation Requirements

The Secretary is required to submit reports every two years and four years on the progress of wildland fire research and recommendations for improvements to Congress.

Consultations with Other Entities

Throughout the implementation of the bill, the Secretary will consult with various federal science agencies, ensuring a collaborative approach to wildland fire research and management.

Relevant Companies

• NEE (NextEra Energy): A major utility company that could be affected by changes in wildfire management and regulations that may impact energy infrastructure in wildfire-prone areas.
• PCG (Pacific Gas and Electric Company): A utility that has directly faced issues related to wildfire risk management; improvements in research and regulations may impact its operations and liability.
• DTE (DTE Energy): Similar to NEE and PCG, DTE operates in regions where wildfires can affect energy delivery, influencing how it manages its infrastructure and emergency planning.