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119-hr-10917119th CongressWALLET

Wildfire Emergency Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]

Introduced

Summary

Landscape-scale forest restoration is the central aim: this bill would speed ecological restoration across large National Forest landscapes and try to attract private capital to cut uncharacteristic wildfire risk and expand community resilience.

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  • Families and households: Low-income and other households could get stronger fire- and drought-resistant weatherization and retrofits with the average cost cap rising from $6,500 to $13,000 and the maximum assistance rising from $3,000 to $6,000.
  • Communities and critical facilities: A $100.0 million Critical Infrastructure and Microgrid Program would fund microgrids, on-site renewables, storage, and backup power to strengthen energy resilience at critical sites.
  • Forest managers, workers, and local partners: A capped conservation finance pilot would allow up to 20 agreements and up to $250.0 million in aggregate obligations with no single agreement over $50.0 million, while Title III funds workforce, science, and a land stewardship program authorized at $50.0 million for FY2027–2031.

*If enacted, this bill would authorize new federal spending including up to $250.0 million for the conservation finance pilot, $100.0 million for microgrids, and $50.0 million for land stewardship, increasing federal outlays.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Land stewardship grants for communities

If enacted, the bill would authorize $50 million for land stewardship grants for disadvantaged communities for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. Grants could cover up to 100 percent of activity costs but could not exceed $50,000 per year per grant. At least 10 percent of awards would go to Indian Tribes or eligible tribal entities. The program would use regional offices, an advisory panel with disadvantaged-community and Tribal representation, and require a 4-year implementation report.

More wildfire detection and public data

If enacted, the bill would direct federal land agencies, when practicable, to speed placement of detection equipment in at-risk areas and increase use of satellites, remote sensing, and mobile tools for situational awareness. Agencies would be asked to expedite permitting for monitoring equipment, review procurement barriers, and support public disclosure of nonconfidential wildland fire data consistent with the OPEN Government Data Act. The bill would also promote technologies to analyze incident performance and suppression effectiveness.

Microgrids for critical facilities

If enacted, the bill would create a Critical Infrastructure and Microgrid Program to improve energy resilience at critical facilities through microgrids, renewable generation, energy efficiency, demand reduction, and on-site storage and backup power. The bill would authorize $100 million to carry out the program, available until expended, and limit administrative costs to 10 percent. The Secretary would seek stakeholder input from regulators, utilities, customers, local governments, and other parties.

Stronger weatherization rules for homes

If enacted, the bill would raise Weatherization Assistance limits and add new material and planning rules for assisted homes. The average cost cap would increase to $13,000 and the maximum financial assistance to $6,000, both adjusted for inflation. Owners of dwelling units that get weatherization aid would have to use fire- and drought-resistant materials, including mass timber, and follow State wildfire and drought planning. The bill would also add high-heat and fire-resistant materials to the definition of covered weatherization materials.

Forest conservation finance pilot program

If enacted, the bill would let the Agriculture Secretary enter up to 20 conservation finance agreements to support restoration on National Forest System and adjoining lands. Federal obligations would be capped at $250 million in the 10 years after enactment and at $50 million for any one agreement. Agreements could run 2 to 20 years, rely on loaned capital repaid by project beneficiaries, and prioritize very large landscapes (especially 100,000+ acres). The pilot would bar federal reimbursement of interest to other funders and require notice to Congress and OMB for certain agreements with potential cancellation costs above $25 million, with a 4-year implementation report.

Grants and centers for fire workforce

If enacted, the bill would create competitive workforce grants for forestry and fire management training and require one or more prescribed-fire training centers in States fully west of the 100th meridian. Grants could fund internships, apprenticeships, curricula, and regional workforce collaborations. The centers would be located with or in collaboration with colleges and chosen within one year after enactment. The bill authorizes amounts the Secretary finds necessary but does not list specific funding levels.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]

CA • D

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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