Kelly, EPW Committee Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Prevent Catastrophic Wildfires

Today, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works members Mark Kelly (D-AZ), John Curtis (R-UT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and John Boozman (R-AR) introduced the bipartisan Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act (WEPA) of 2026.

The bill would make it easier for states and communities to use prescribed fires to prevent wildfire emissions, protect ecosystems and wildlife habitats, and make American forests and communities safer, healthier, and cleaner. The bill also promotes the efficient use of state air quality resources and provides certainty that states will not be penalized for taking action to prevent wildfires.

"Arizona knows the damage catastrophic wildfires can do to our communities and forests. Prescribed burns are one of the best ways to reduce that risk before a fire gets out of control, and states shouldn't be penalized for taking action," said Kelly. "This bipartisan effort will help prevent larger, more destructive wildfires, keep our forests healthier, and better protect families from the smoke and pollution they leave behind."

"If we're serious about reducing the size and severity of wildfires, we need to stop punishing local authorities for doing the right thing to improve forest health and remove hazardous fuels. By removing unnecessary regulatory burdens on prescribed burns, our legislation helps ensure states and localities can take proactive measures to help keep our forests and communities safe from the threat of wildfires," said Curtis.

"When the 2020 Labor Day fires swept across Oregon, I drove over 600 miles and never once escaped the thick, dark smoke that blanketed our state. As Oregonians face yet another record-breaking fire season this year, we need to tackle this crisis at every stage. Our bipartisan bill supports more prescribed fire on the landscape-an essential forest management activity-while giving our communities the resources to plan and prepare for smoke events. Climate chaos is fueling more severe wildfires, and I'll keep fighting to ensure Oregon and communities nationwide have the tools they need to protect public health and save lives," said Merkley.

"I am very proud to cosponsor this legislation, which will help reduce the impact of wildfires on our land, our air, and our people. Wildfires have ravaged many parts of our country over the past several years, and change is necessary to ensure that states can successfully prevent the most dangerous and damaging fires. States should have the right to use known prevention practices, including prescribed fires, to mitigate potential catastrophes and care for their land. This bill gives states another tool in their toolbox, and will reduce barriers to successfully managing wildfires and protecting communities nationwide," said Capito.

"We know prescribed burns help prevent catastrophic wildfires and save lives. This bipartisan bill cuts red tape so California and the whole country can make greater use of this proven, cost-effective tool to protect communities before the next major wildfire. It's a commonsense step that prioritizes prevention instead of waiting to respond after disaster strikes," said Padilla.

"In light of the devastating wildfires we now see far too often, Congress should do everything it can to encourage better forest management practices. Prescribed burns are an important way to prevent large-scale fires that threaten homes and property while damaging natural resources. I am proud to join colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this legislation to ensure controlled burns do not generate an adverse Clean Air Act impact or penalize states taking proactive mitigation steps," said Boozman.

Background:

This builds on Kelly's efforts to keeping Americans safe by reducing wildfire risk. This month, Kelly joined Senate colleagues in demanding the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure that all communities receive the federal resources they need to respond to and prevent wildfires.Kelly's Wildfire Prevention and Recovery Act, which directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct periodic wildfire risk assessments and study the impacts of wildfires on Corps-managed lands through a pilot program beginning in Arizona, passed the EPW) committee as part of the 2026 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA).

Click here to read the full bill text.