Wildfire Response Improvement Act
Sponsored By: Representative Stanton, Greg [D-AZ-4]
In Committee
Summary
Changes FEMA rules to expand and tailor eligibility and guidance for wildfire mitigation and recovery. It would force new guidance and cost-effectiveness rules so mitigation and recovery projects better address debris, water contamination, smoke, and defensible-space work.
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- Families and households could get safety assessments and emergency stabilization even when damage falls outside a declared fire's incident period, making short-term protective work more accessible to at-risk homeowners.
- Local governments and utilities would see clearer FEMA guidance on wildfire recovery tasks like debris removal, emergency protective measures, and responding to toxic impacts on drinking water.
- Mitigation planners and grant applicants would face updated cost-effectiveness criteria and prioritization rules, including pre-calculated benefits for common defensible-space projects, use of nature-based infrastructure, vegetation management, smoke-health measures, and protections for water infrastructure; FEMA must review and issue this guidance within 1 year.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More FEMA help after wildfires
If enacted, FEMA would update rules within one year. Safety assessments and emergency stabilization could qualify for FEMA fire aid even if outside the official incident period. FEMA would also add wildfire recovery guidance for debris removal, emergency protective steps, and safe drinking water. This could help fire‑hit communities and households get clearer, faster support.
New priorities for wildfire prevention projects
If enacted, FEMA would review and update how it judges wildfire mitigation projects within one year. The review would consider defensible space, nature‑based fixes, vegetation work, cutting smoke health harms, and protecting water systems. Projects that meet the new criteria would get priority for federal mitigation grants. Communities could see more prevention that protects homes and health.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Stanton, Greg [D-AZ-4]
AZ • D
Cosponsors
LaMalfa
CA • R
Sponsored 2/14/2025
Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2]
CA • D
Sponsored 3/14/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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