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119-s-3506119th CongressWALLET

Post-Wildfire Environmental Emergency Assistance Act

Sponsored By: Senator Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

Introduced

Summary

Cleanup and remediation for wildfire damage would be added to federal Fire Management Assistance, and a new debris removal authority would let federal teams clear wreckage on public and private lands and waters even if no major disaster is declared. The bill also lets the President direct the Environmental Protection Agency to use its hazardous‑waste authorities and resources to support cleanup, with or without reimbursement.

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  • States and local governments would be able to request federal help to clear fire debris from public and private lands and waters without a major disaster declaration.
  • Private landowners and communities could receive federal support for remediation of hazardous waste and other hazardous substances left by fires.
  • Federal response and EPA coordination would expand because the President could direct the Environmental Protection Agency to provide personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, and technical and managerial services to assist with hazardous debris removal, leveraging EPA legal authorities and resources, with or without reimbursement.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More wildfire cleanup help for property owners

If enacted, you would be able to get federal help to remove wildfire debris from public or private land or water after a qualifying fire. The bill would expand Fire Management Assistance to cover remediation as well as fire control. Debris-removal help could be provided whether or not a major disaster is declared. If the debris contains hazardous waste or hazardous substances listed under section 3001(b) of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6921(b)), CERCLA sections 101 and 102 (42 U.S.C. 9601, 9602), or 40 C.F.R. 302.4 (or successor), the President could direct the EPA Administrator to send EPA staff, equipment, supplies, facilities, and technical or advisory services to help state or local governments. EPA help could be provided with or without reimbursement.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

OR • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS]

    KS • R

    Sponsored 12/16/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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