Wildfire Risk Evaluation Act
Summary
The Wildfire Risk Evaluation Act would require the Secretaries of Agriculture, the Interior, and Homeland Security to conduct a comprehensive "quadrennial fire review" every four years. This review aims to analyze how changes in both natural and developed environments affect the government's ability to prevent, respond to, and recover from wildfires. It specifically proposes a 20-year forecast of wildfire conditions to help federal agencies develop long-term strategic plans and identify potential challenges before they become emergencies.
If enacted, the bill would also mandate a study on the intersection of wildfires and public health, conducted in coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This would likely result in a better understanding of how smoke and fire impact community health. Additionally, the bill proposes that federal agencies submit regular reports to Congress detailing their progress toward national wildfire goals and recommending new laws or administrative changes to improve interagency coordination and community resilience.
