S453119th CongressWALLET

Wildfire Intelligence Collaboration and Coordination Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Alex Padilla

Introduced

Summary

This bill would create a multi-agency Wildfire Intelligence Center to centralize predictive science, data, and decision-support so land managers, emergency responders, and communities get faster, clearer guidance on wildfire risk and response.

Show full summary
  • Land managers and incident teams would gain real-time modeling, a nationwide risk catalog, and interoperable data to guide fuels management, suppression strategy, and post-fire rehabilitation.
  • Emergency responders and public health officials would get consolidated air-quality forecasts, evacuation and power-shutdown planning tools, and guidance to reduce smoke and immediate health risks.
  • Researchers, Tribal and local partners, and the private sector would access common data standards, a testbed for new tools, and contracting routes to integrate commercial Earth observations and technology.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New national wildfire intelligence center

If enacted, this bill would create a Wildfire Intelligence Center run by USDA, Commerce, and Interior. The Center would give national forecasts, maps, and decision tools for land managers, firefighters, and communities. It would keep a real-time fire risk catalog and help plan evacuations and power shutoffs. It would combine smoke and air quality forecasts to give clearer health warnings.

Board, director, and staffing rules

If enacted, the bill would set up a 14-member Board to govern the Center. The Board would appoint an Executive Director who could sign contracts, leases, and cooperative agreements. Board members would serve three-year terms; the Chair and Vice Chair would serve one-year terms. Each agency Secretary could detail or assign employees to staff the Center.

New funding and finance flexibilities

If enacted, the bill would let the Agriculture, Commerce, and Interior Departments move money between the Forest Service, NOAA, and USGS to run the Center. Agencies must notify the House and Senate Appropriations Committees at least 15 days before such transfers. The bill would also allow interagency financing even if prior law barred it. These changes would help agencies fund Center work more quickly.

Deadline to pick Center headquarters

If enacted, the Board must choose a permanent U.S. headquarters for the Center within one year of enactment. The host area could see local jobs and spending. The bill leaves the choice to the Board and does not name the city.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Alex Padilla

CA • D

Cosponsors

  • Tim Sheehy

    MT • R

    Sponsored 2/6/2025

  • Steve Daines

    MT • R

    Sponsored 2/6/2025

  • John Hickenlooper

    CO • D

    Sponsored 2/6/2025

  • Ruben Gallego

    AZ • D

    Sponsored 6/25/2025

  • Jacky Rosen

    NV • D

    Sponsored 7/9/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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