Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Deb Fischer
Passed Senate
Summary
Expands and speeds emergency aid for agricultural producers and nonindustrial private forest landowners.
Show full summary
The bill would broaden eligible emergency activities, create upfront payment options, extend key deadlines, and clarify which wildfires qualify for help.
- Farmers and producers — Could get upfront payments before work starts, up to 75% for replacements and up to 50% for repairs or restorations.
- Nonindustrial private forest landowners — Could receive advance payments up to 75% of emergency restoration costs. Funds not spent within 180 days must be returned within a reasonable timeframe set by the Secretary.
- Wildfire eligibility and timing — Expands qualifying wildfires to include fires that spread due to natural causes and fires caused by the Federal Government. It also extends a key Emergency Conservation Program disposition window from 60 days to 180 days.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Upfront disaster aid for farmers
If enacted, eligible farmers would get money upfront before repairs. You would get up to 75% for replacements or up to 50% for repairs or restorations. The Secretary would set the exact amount and which emergency measures qualify, beyond fencing. One program deadline would extend from 60 days to 180 days. Wildfire losses would also count when non‑natural fires spread by natural forces, and when fires are caused by the Federal Government.
Upfront help for private forest owners
If enacted, owners of nonindustrial private forest land would get up to 75% of emergency work costs before work begins under the Emergency Forest Restoration Program. The Secretary would set the exact advance amount. You would need to spend the advance within 180 days or return unspent funds within a timeframe the Secretary sets. Wildfire losses would also count when non‑natural fires spread by natural forces, and when fires are caused by the Federal Government.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Deb Fischer
NE • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]
NM • D
Sponsored 2/19/2025
Adam Schiff
CA • D
Sponsored 2/19/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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