Congressman Fong's ACERO Act Unanimously Advances Through Science, Space, and Technology Committee

WASHINGTON, DC. - Today, the Science, Space, and Technology Committee unanimously advanced H.R. 390: The Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) Act by a 34-0 vote. Introduced by Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20), this bipartisan legislation would facilitate the use of advanced, unmanned aircraft technology to improve aerial responses to wildfires, including in low-visibility conditions when manned aircrafts are unable to mobilize.

Currently, federal and state agencies are limited by outdated and fragmented communication systems when coordinating aerial wildfire responses. The ACERO Act offers a way forward by leveraging cutting-edge technologies, developed at NASA Armstong Flight Research Center in California's 20^th District, to improve the management of airspace and ensure the safe coordination of manned and unmanned aerial assets during wildfires.

"As catastrophic wildfires continue to burn across the nation and especially in my home state of California, it's imperative we equip our firefighters with the modern tools they need to protect our communities," said Congressman Fong. "By leveraging NASA's innovative technology to allow drones to fight wildfires alongside manned aircraft and ground crews, my legislation will help revolutionize how we combat these disasters. Thank you to my cosponsors, Chairman Babin, and the entire Science, Space, and Technology Committee for moving this critical piece of legislation forward. By advancing the ACERO Act, we are not only improving our ability to respond to wildfires, but also protecting the lives and livelihoods of countless Americans."

"The ACERO Act is a smart investment in protecting lives, property, and our natural resources," said Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin. "By leveraging NASA's cutting-edge technology, we can modernize aerial wildfire response and strengthen coordination across federal, state, and local agencies. I want to thank Congressman Vince Fong for his leadership on this bipartisan effort to deliver real solutions in a time of growing need."

A rare intersection of urgency, innovation, and bipartisan cooperation, the ACERO Act would:

1. Modernize wildfire response capabilities by directing NASA to enhance airspace management and integrate advanced technologies. Through improved real-time information sharing and multi-agency coordination, firefighters will have the tools they need to act faster and more effectively.
2. Foster collaboration by promoting partnerships with other agencies, research institutions, and private industry.
3. Ensure accountability by requiring annual progress reports to Congress through 2030. These reports would provide transparency, enable legislators to measure outcomes, and ensure the responsible use of federal funds.
4. Protect our national security by prohibiting NASA from procuring drones for this program from foreign adversaries like China, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used to support innovation here at home.

The ACERO Act is cosponsored by Reps. Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), and George Whitesides (CA-27). Read the full bill text here.