Ending Major Borderland Environmental Ruin from Wildfires (EMBER) Act
Sponsored By: Representative Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41]
In Committee
Summary
Reduces wildfire risk and borderland environmental damage. This bill would create a Southern Border Fuels Management Initiative in the Department of the Interior and require policies, protocols, and reports to address wildland fires and environmental harm tied to crossings by aliens without lawful immigration status.
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- Border communities and nearby families: Seeks to reduce catastrophic wildfire risk and clean up trash in ecologically sensitive areas, which could lower local fire danger and environmental damage.
- Law enforcement and border operations: Directs fuel breaks, removal of invasive plants, and better sight lines to improve operational control and safety for U.S. Border Patrol and local agents.
- Federal land managers and agencies: Would require annual acreage treatment targets, a report within 1 year cataloging fires and damage, a GAO update within 2 years, authorize $3.7 million per year for FY2026–FY2032, and terminate the Initiative after 7 years.
*Would increase federal spending by about $3.7 million per year from FY2026 through FY2032, adding to federal outlays over that period.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Quick border fire-prevention rules and reporting
This bill would require land agencies, with Homeland Security, to set border wildfire-prevention rules within 90 days. The rules would target fires started by people without lawful immigration status and related environmental damage. They would address trash in sensitive areas, stop ignitions near people, property, habitat, infrastructure, and watersheds, and protect natural and archaeological sites. Agencies would report to Congress within 1 year on fires, acres burned, cleanup costs, linked individuals and apprehensions, and locations, including protected areas. The Government Accountability Office would update a 2011 report within 2 years and include each border state.
Border vegetation cleanup to curb wildfires
The Interior Department would start a Southern Border Fuels Management Initiative within 1 year. It would cut hazardous plants, remove invasive species, and install fuel breaks along the border. The program would set yearly acreage targets and could coordinate with the Forest Service, Border Patrol, and State, local, or Tribal law enforcement. Congress authorizes about $3.66 million each year for fiscal years 2026 through 2032. The program would end seven years after enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41]
CA • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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