S1764-118

1. Short title; table of contents This Act may be cited as the Western Wildfire Support Act of 2023. The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

2. Definitions In this Act: The term congressional committees means— the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives. The term Federal land means— public lands (as defined in section 103 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702)); units of the National Park System; units of the National Wildlife Refuge System; land held in trust by the United States for the benefit of Indian Tribes or members of an Indian Tribe; and land in the National Forest System. The term National Forest System has the meaning given the term in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1609(a)). The term National Forest System does not include— the national grasslands and land utilization projects administered under title III of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (7 U.S.C. 1010 et seq.); or National Forest System land east of the 100th meridian. The term Secretaries means— the Secretary of the Interior; and the Secretary of Agriculture. The term Secretary concerned means— the Secretary of the Interior, in the case of Federal land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior; and the Secretary of Agriculture, in the case of Federal land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture.

102. Reimbursement for wildfires caused by military training The Secretary of Defense shall, on application by a State or Federal agency, reimburse the State or Federal agency for the reasonable costs of the State or Federal agency for services provided in connection with fire suppression as a result of a fire caused by military training or other actions carried out by the Armed Forces or employees of the Department of Defense. Services reimbursable under subsection (a) shall be limited to services proximately related to the fire for which reimbursement is sought. Each application from a State or Federal agency for reimbursement for costs under subsection (a) shall provide an itemized request of the services covered by the application, including the costs of the services. Reimbursements under subsection (a) shall be made from amounts authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Defense for operation and maintenance.

103. Strategic wildland fire management planning Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary concerned shall, in accordance with this section, establish a series of spatial fire management plans. To comply with this section, the Secretary concerned may use a fire management plan in existence on the date of enactment of this Act. To be valid, a spatial fire management plan established under this section shall not be in use for longer than the 10-year period beginning on the date on which the plan is established. The Secretary concerned shall establish a spatial fire management plan for each unit of Federal land with more than 10 acres of burnable vegetation under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned. For each spatial fire management plan established under this section, the Secretary concerned shall— base the plans on a landscape-scale risk assessment that includes— risks to firefighters; risks to communities; risks to highly valuable resources; and other relevant considerations determined by the Secretary concerned; include direction, represented in spatial form, from land management plans and resource management plans; in coordination with States, delineate potential wildland fire operational delineations that— identify potential control locations; and specify the places in which firefighters will not be sent because of the presence of unacceptable risk, including areas determined by the Secretary concerned as— exceeding a certain slope; containing too high of a volume of hazardous fuels, under certain weather conditions; or containing other known hazards; include a determination of average severe fire weather for the plan area; include prefire planning provisions; include a plan for postfire activities that— would better enable a Burned Area Emergency Response Team working on a large fire incident to address emergency stabilization and erosion quickly; and specifies ways in which the Burned Area Emergency Response Team would seek to prevent the proliferation of invasive species in working on the large fire incident; and include, at a minimum, any other requirement determined to be necessary by the Secretary concerned. The spatial fire management plans established under this section shall be consistent with the fire management objectives and land management objectives in the applicable land management plan or resource management plan. A revision to a land management plan or resource management plan shall consider fire ecology and fire management in a manner that facilitates the issuance of direction for an incident response. A supervisory employee of the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture that is funded through a Firefighting Operations account established under section 101 shall participate directly in the creation or revision of an applicable land management plan or resource management plan to incorporate an assessment, protocol, or plan developed under this Act into the planning process.

105. Community support during disaster response The Secretaries shall establish a program to train and certify a citizen who wishes to be able to volunteer to assist the Secretaries during a wildland fire incident. The Secretaries shall establish several categories of service for each manner in which a volunteer certified under this section may provide assistance. No volunteer certified under this section may engage in an operation to directly suppress a wildland fire. A volunteer under this section shall— report to a designee of an incident commander prior to providing any assistance on a wildland fire; and operate continuously under the direction of the designee while providing assistance on a wildland fire. The Secretaries shall certify volunteers to provide assistance for each category of service established under subsection (b). The Secretaries shall establish criteria for a volunteer to be certified for each category of service. Attendance at training conducted under paragraph (2) shall be 1 of the criteria established under subparagraph (B). The Secretaries shall assess the knowledge, skills, or abilities, of a person prior to certifying a person to become a volunteer. The Secretaries shall regularly conduct training for citizens who desire to be certified as volunteers. The training shall include, at a minimum, a safety component in an effort to minimize inherent threats to volunteers and maximize the safety of a volunteer, to the maximum extent practicable, as a volunteer provides assistance on a wildland fire. The Secretaries shall offer, at a minimum, 1 training session in each State with significant wildfire risk, not less than every 2 years. On the certification of a volunteer, the Secretary concerned shall provide to the volunteer a means of identification as a volunteer. A volunteer certified under this section shall display, continuously while assisting in a wildland fire, the means of identification.

201. Wildfire detection equipment To the extent practicable, the Secretary concerned shall— expedite the placement of wildfire detection equipment, such as sensors, cameras, and other relevant equipment, in areas at risk of wildfire; expand the use of satellite data to assist wildfire response; and expedite any permitting required by the Secretary concerned for the installation, maintenance, or removal of wildfire detection equipment.

202. Grant program for slip-on tank units The Secretaries shall establish a program to award to an eligible State or unit of local government each year grants to acquire slip-on tank and pump units (referred to in this section as slip-on units) for a surge capacity of resources for fire suppression. To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a State or unit of local government shall— submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretaries may require; and contribute non-Federal funds in accordance with paragraph (2). The non-Federal share of the cost of acquiring slip-on units using a grant under this section shall be not less than 25 percent. Grants awarded under this section shall be used only for the acquisition of not fewer than 30 slip-on units. A recipient of a grant under this section— shall be responsible for the cost of the maintenance and use of the slip-on units; and may not use grant funds for a cost described in subparagraph (A). A recipient of a grant under this section shall— in maintaining and storing the slip-on units— store and mount a slip-on unit on a vehicle only during— a period of extreme fire danger; or an active wildland fire; designate a vehicle and personnel to be used with each slip-on unit; make any necessary modification to a designated vehicle to ensure compatibility with the use of the slip-on unit; train designated personnel to use the slip-on unit; ensure designated personnel possess elementary wildland fire management skills, including post-fire-front structure-protection tactics; and maintain each slip-on unit in good, usable condition for a period of not fewer than 20 years; during a large, active wildland fire— staff each designated vehicle equipped with a slip-on unit with— a person designated under paragraph (1)(B); and a trained firefighter, regardless of whether the trained firefighter is paid, a volunteer, or off-duty but paid; organize each designated vehicle equipped with a slip-on unit into a team with other designated vehicles under the direction of a qualified task force leader; and use each designated vehicle equipped with a slip-on unit primarily for the purpose of following behind the wildland fire front— to prevent homes from igniting; and to alert fire engines of structures that have ignited; and comply with any other requirements determined to be necessary by the Secretaries, including any minimum requirements for a slip-on unit and any additional required equipment.

203. Assistance to States for operation of air tankers The Secretary concerned may provide funding to States to enable States to operate not more than 50 single-engine air tankers if— the single-engine air tanker is government-owned and contractor-operated or government-owned and government-operated; a State receiving funding for a single-engine air tanker under this section shares the cost with the Secretary of the acquisition and operation of the aircraft; and the single-engine air tanker— shall be used for initial attack; and shall not be used for large fire aviation support.

204. Research and development of unmanned aircraft system fire applications In this section: The term covered unmanned aircraft test range means a test range that is approved of or designated by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration for the testing of unmanned aircraft systems, as required under section 44803 of title 49, United States Code. The term unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system of the Federal Aviation Administration. The Secretary of the Interior shall, acting through the Joint Fire Science Program, work with covered unmanned aircraft test ranges to carry out research and development of unmanned aircraft system fire applications. There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.

205. Study on effects of drone incursions on wildfire suppression In this section: The term drone means an unmanned aircraft system owned by a private individual or entity. The term drone incursion means the operation of a drone within any airspace for which the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration has issued a temporary flight restriction because of a wildfire. The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management. The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall conduct a study on the effects of drone incursions on wildfire suppression with respect to land managed by the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture. In conducting the study required under subsection (b), the Secretary shall— determine, for each of the 5 most recent calendar years— the number of occurrences in which a drone incursion interfered with wildfire suppression; and the effect of each occurrence described in subparagraph (A) on— the length of time required to achieve complete suppression; the effectiveness of aerial firefighting responses; and the amounts expended by the Federal Government; and evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of various actions to prevent drone incursions, including— the use of reasonable force to disable, damage, or destroy a drone; the seizure of a drone, including seizure with a net device; and the dissemination of educational materials relating to the effects of drone incursions on wildfire suppression. Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report describing— the findings of the study required under subsection (b); and any recommendations of the Secretary relating to those findings.

206. Study on wildfire detection equipment and integration of artificial intelligence technologies The Secretaries shall conduct a study on— the effectiveness and limitations on the deployment and application of each wildfire detection equipment technology with respect to detection, confirmation, geolocation, predictability of wildfire spread, suppression resource management, post-fire forensics, and surface rehabilitation; how each technology described in paragraph (1), with proper and timely deployment and use, can provide for the most effective and efficient means of dealing with the threat and the reality of wildland fires; the integration of artificial intelligence with real-time imagery and weather data provided by wildfire detection equipment technology; and how the integration of artificial intelligence described in paragraph (3) can enhance the value of each wildfire detection equipment technology, individually and collectively. Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries shall submit to the congressional committees and make publicly available the results of the study conducted under subsection (a).

301. Funding for online guides for post-fire assistance Section 201(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5131(a)) is amended— in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and by adding at the end the following: post-disaster assistance. Section 201 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5131) is amended by adding at the end the following: The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency may enter into a cooperative agreement to provide funding to a State agency established under subsection (c) to establish and operate a website to provide information relating to post-fire recovery funding and resources to a community or an individual impacted by a wildland fire. A website created under this subsection shall be— managed by the State agency; and suitable for the residents of the State of the State agency. The Administrator may enter into a cooperative agreement to establish a website under this subsection only to provide 1 or more of the following: A list of Federal, State, and local sources of post-fire recovery funding or assistance that may be available to a community after a wildfire. A list of Federal, State, and local sources of post-fire recovery funding or assistance that may be available to an individual impacted by a wildfire. A technical guide that lists and explains the costs and benefits of alternatives available to a community to mitigate the impacts of wildfire and prepare for potential flooding. A State agency that enters into a cooperative agreement under this subsection shall cooperate with the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in developing a website under this subsection. A State agency that receives funding to establish a website under this subsection shall update the website not less than once every 6 years. (8)post-disaster assistance.. (e)Funding for online guides for assistance(1)In generalThe Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency may enter into a cooperative agreement to provide funding to a State agency established under subsection (c) to establish and operate a website to provide information relating to post-fire recovery funding and resources to a community or an individual impacted by a wildland fire.(2)ManagementA website created under this subsection shall be—(A)managed by the State agency; and(B)suitable for the residents of the State of the State agency.(3)ContentThe Administrator may enter into a cooperative agreement to establish a website under this subsection only to provide 1 or more of the following:(A)A list of Federal, State, and local sources of post-fire recovery funding or assistance that may be available to a community after a wildfire.(B)A list of Federal, State, and local sources of post-fire recovery funding or assistance that may be available to an individual impacted by a wildfire.(C)A technical guide that lists and explains the costs and benefits of alternatives available to a community to mitigate the impacts of wildfire and prepare for potential flooding.(4)CooperationA State agency that enters into a cooperative agreement under this subsection shall cooperate with the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in developing a website under this subsection.(5)UpdatesA State agency that receives funding to establish a website under this subsection shall update the website not less than once every 6 years..

303. Prize for wildfire-related invasive species reduction Section 7001(d) of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (16 U.S.C. 742b note; Public Law 116–9) is amended— by striking paragraph (8)(A) each place it appears and inserting paragraph (9)(A); by striking paragraph (8)(B) each place it appears and inserting paragraph (9)(B); by redesignating paragraph (8) as paragraph (9); by inserting after paragraph (7) the following: In this paragraph: The term Board means the Management of Wildfire-Related Invasive Species Technology Advisory Board established by subparagraph (C)(i). The term prize competition means the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the management of wildfire-related invasive species established under subparagraph (B). Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Western Wildfire Support Act of 2023, the Secretary shall establish under section 24 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719) a prize competition, to be known as the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the management of wildfire-related invasive species— to encourage technological innovation with the potential to advance the mission of the National Invasive Species Council with respect to the management of wildfire-related invasive species; and to award 1 or more prizes annually for a technological advancement that manages wildfire-related invasive species. There is established an advisory board, to be known as the Management of Wildfire-Related Invasive Species Technology Advisory Board. The Board shall be composed of not fewer than 9 members appointed by the Secretary, who shall provide expertise in— invasive species; biology; technology development; engineering; economics; business development and management; wildfire; and any other discipline, as the Secretary determines to be necessary to achieve the purposes of this paragraph. Subject to clause (iv), with respect to the prize competition, the Board shall— select a topic; issue a problem statement; advise the Secretary regarding any opportunity for technological innovation to manage wildfire-related invasive species; and advise winners of the prize competition regarding opportunities to pilot and implement winning technologies in relevant fields, including in partnership with conservation organizations, Federal or State agencies, federally recognized Indian Tribes, private entities, and research institutions with expertise or interest relating to the management of wildfire-related invasive species. In selecting a topic and issuing a problem statement for the prize competition, the Board shall consult widely with Federal and non-Federal stakeholders, including— 1 or more Federal agencies with jurisdiction over the management of invasive species; 1 or more Federal agencies with jurisdiction over the management of wildfire; 1 or more State agencies with jurisdiction over the management of invasive species; 1 or more State agencies with jurisdiction over the management of wildfire; 1 or more State, regional, or local wildlife organizations, the mission of which relates to the management of invasive species; and 1 or more wildlife conservation groups, technology companies, research institutions, institutions of higher education, industry associations, or individual stakeholders with an interest in the management of wildfire-related invasive species. The Board shall comply with all requirements under paragraph (9)(A). The Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Invasive Species Council, shall administer the prize competition. The Secretary shall appoint not fewer than 3 judges who shall, except as provided in clause (ii), select the 1 or more annual winners of the prize competition. The judges appointed under clause (i) shall not select any annual winner of the prize competition if the Secretary makes a determination that, in any fiscal year, none of the technological advancements entered into the prize competition merits an award. Not later than 60 days after the date on which a cash prize is awarded under this paragraph, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report on the prize competition that includes— a statement by the Board that describes the activities carried out by the Board relating to the duties described in subparagraph (C)(iii); a description of the 1 or more annual winners of the prize competition; and a statement by 1 or more of the judges appointed under subparagraph (E) that explains the basis on which the 1 or more winners of the prize competition was selected. The Board and all authority provided under this paragraph shall terminate on December 31, 2028. in paragraph (9) (as so redesignated)— in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking or (7)(C)(i) and inserting (7)(C)(i), or (8)(C)(i); and in subparagraph (B)— in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking or (7)(D)(i) and inserting (7)(D)(i), or (8)(D)(i); and in clause (i)(VII), by striking and (7)(E) and inserting (7)(E), and (8)(E). (8)Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for management of wildfire-related invasive species(A)DefinitionsIn this paragraph:(i)BoardThe term Board means the Management of Wildfire-Related Invasive Species Technology Advisory Board established by subparagraph (C)(i).(ii)Prize competitionThe term prize competition means the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the management of wildfire-related invasive species established under subparagraph (B).(B)AuthorityNot later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Western Wildfire Support Act of 2023, the Secretary shall establish under section 24 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719) a prize competition, to be known as the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the management of wildfire-related invasive species—(i)to encourage technological innovation with the potential to advance the mission of the National Invasive Species Council with respect to the management of wildfire-related invasive species; and(ii)to award 1 or more prizes annually for a technological advancement that manages wildfire-related invasive species.(C)Advisory board(i)EstablishmentThere is established an advisory board, to be known as the Management of Wildfire-Related Invasive Species Technology Advisory Board.(ii)CompositionThe Board shall be composed of not fewer than 9 members appointed by the Secretary, who shall provide expertise in—(I)invasive species;(II)biology;(III)technology development;(IV)engineering;(V)economics;(VI)business development and management;(VII)wildfire; and(VIII)any other discipline, as the Secretary determines to be necessary to achieve the purposes of this paragraph.(iii)DutiesSubject to clause (iv), with respect to the prize competition, the Board shall—(I)select a topic;(II)issue a problem statement;(III)advise the Secretary regarding any opportunity for technological innovation to manage wildfire-related invasive species; and(IV)advise winners of the prize competition regarding opportunities to pilot and implement winning technologies in relevant fields, including in partnership with conservation organizations, Federal or State agencies, federally recognized Indian Tribes, private entities, and research institutions with expertise or interest relating to the management of wildfire-related invasive species.(iv)ConsultationIn selecting a topic and issuing a problem statement for the prize competition, the Board shall consult widely with Federal and non-Federal stakeholders, including—(I)1 or more Federal agencies with jurisdiction over the management of invasive species;(II)1 or more Federal agencies with jurisdiction over the management of wildfire;(III)1 or more State agencies with jurisdiction over the management of invasive species;(IV)1 or more State agencies with jurisdiction over the management of wildfire;(V)1 or more State, regional, or local wildlife organizations, the mission of which relates to the management of invasive species; and(VI)1 or more wildlife conservation groups, technology companies, research institutions, institutions of higher education, industry associations, or individual stakeholders with an interest in the management of wildfire-related invasive species.(v)RequirementsThe Board shall comply with all requirements under paragraph (9)(A).(D)Administration by the National Invasive Species CouncilThe Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Invasive Species Council, shall administer the prize competition.(E)Judges(i)AppointmentThe Secretary shall appoint not fewer than 3 judges who shall, except as provided in clause (ii), select the 1 or more annual winners of the prize competition.(ii)Determination by SecretaryThe judges appointed under clause (i) shall not select any annual winner of the prize competition if the Secretary makes a determination that, in any fiscal year, none of the technological advancements entered into the prize competition merits an award.(F)Report to CongressNot later than 60 days after the date on which a cash prize is awarded under this paragraph, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report on the prize competition that includes—(i)a statement by the Board that describes the activities carried out by the Board relating to the duties described in subparagraph (C)(iii);(ii)a description of the 1 or more annual winners of the prize competition; and(iii)a statement by 1 or more of the judges appointed under subparagraph (E) that explains the basis on which the 1 or more winners of the prize competition was selected.(G)Termination of authorityThe Board and all authority provided under this paragraph shall terminate on December 31, 2028.; and

1. Short title; table of contents This Act may be cited as the Western Wildfire Support Act of 2024. The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

2. Definitions In this Act: The term congressional committees means— the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives. The term Federal land means— public lands (as defined in section 103 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702)); units of the National Park System; units of the National Wildlife Refuge System; land held in trust by the United States for the benefit of Indian Tribes or members of an Indian Tribe; and land in the National Forest System. The term fireshed means a geographically delineated forest landscape, within which a fire ignition would threaten homes, communities, or critical infrastructure. The term National Forest System has the meaning given the term in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1609(a)). The term National Forest System does not include any forest reserve not created from the public domain. The term resource management plan has the meaning given the term in section 101 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6511). The term Secretaries means— the Secretary of the Interior; and the Secretary of Agriculture. The term Secretary concerned means— the Secretary of the Interior, in the case of Federal land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior; and the Secretary of Agriculture, in the case of Federal land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture.

102. Reimbursement for wildfires caused by military training In accordance with section 2 of the Act of May 27, 1955 (42 U.S.C. 1856a) (commonly known as the Reciprocal Fire Protection Act), the Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into reciprocal agreements with State agencies for mutual aid in furnishing fire suppression services. Each reciprocal agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall provide for the reimbursement of the State agency that is a party to the agreement for fire suppression services provided by the State agency as a result of a fire caused by military training or other planned actions carried out by the Department of Defense in support of military operations. Services reimbursable under subsection (b) shall be limited to services directly attributable to the fire for which reimbursement is sought. Each application from a State agency for reimbursement for services under subsection (b) shall provide an itemized request of the services covered by the application, including the costs of the services. Reimbursements under subsection (b) shall be made from amounts authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Defense for operation and maintenance. An agreement in effect as of the date of enactment of this Act shall be considered an agreement entered into under subsection (a) if the agreement otherwise meets the requirements of such an agreement under this section.

103. Strategic wildland fire management planning Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary concerned shall review existing spatial fire management policies for each fireshed on Federal land and issue, as appropriate, new or revised policies that incorporate the best available science and planning tools. Spatial fire management policies issued under subsection (a) shall— be routinely reviewed and updated— to include forest management activities or changes in accessibility; not later than 1 year after the date on which a wildfire incident has occurred within the applicable fireshed; and not less frequently than once every 10 years; identify potential wildfire and smoke risks to first responders, communities, critical infrastructure, and high-value resources; be consistent with any resource management plan developed for the applicable fireshed; in coordination with any State that includes that fireshed, delineate potential wildland fire operational delineations that— identify potential wildfire control locations; and specify the places in which risk to wildfire responders may be elevated as a result of— exceeding a certain slope for the landscape; containing an excess of hazardous fuels such that a threat would be posed under severe fire weather conditions; or containing other known hazards; include a description of the weather conditions for the fireshed that would comprise severe fire weather conditions; and include other prefire planning provisions relevant to wildfire response, at the discretion of the Secretary concerned. To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary concerned shall include, on a team carrying out any development or revision of a resource management plan for Federal land containing 1 more firesheds, an employee that was involved in the development of the spatial fire management policies for that fireshed.

104. Study and report on integrating local firefighters into wildfire response Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration and in coordination with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, shall— conduct a study on the gaps in training for structural firefighters in high wildfire risk areas; and submit to the congressional committees a report describing the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1). The report submitted under subsection (a)(2) shall include— a summary of existing coordination practices between Federal wildland firefighters and State, local, or Tribal firefighters; an analysis of the differences in best response practices for State, local, or Tribal firefighters when responding to a fire incident that threatens a single structure as compared to a wildfire that threatens a community; existing training modules, or gaps in existing training modules, available through the National Fire Academy to train State, local, or Tribal firefighters on best response practices for a wildfire that threatens a community; and an estimated cost and spending plan to address any gaps in existing training modules described in paragraph (3).

201. Wildfire detection equipment To the extent practicable, the Secretary concerned shall— expedite the placement of wildfire detection equipment, such as sensors, cameras, and other relevant equipment, in areas at risk of wildfire; expand the use of satellite data to improve wildfire detection and response; expedite any permitting required by the Secretary concerned for the installation, maintenance, or removal of wildfire detection equipment; use unmanned aerial vehicles to assess wildland fires in their incipient stages to determine the appropriate initial response actions; review permitting described in paragraph (3) and procurement requirements for wildfire detection equipment within the context of modern and innovative technology; and annually provide a forum for companies engaging in the development and testing of emergent wildland fire technology to engage with wildland fire managers.

202. Slip-on tanker units Section 40803(c)(5) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (16 U.S.C. 6592(c)(5)) is amended by inserting and Indian Tribes after local governments. The Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives an annual report on the implementation of section 40803(c)(5) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (16 U.S.C. 6592(c)(5)), including a description of— the total number of slip-on tanker units purchased with financial assistance provided by the Secretary of the Interior under that section in the preceding year, by State; the number of requests received by the Secretary of the Interior for financial assistance under that section to purchase slip-on tanker units in the preceding year; and any barriers identified by the Secretary of the Interior to the ability of local governments and Indian Tribes to participate in the pilot program established under that section. The Secretary of the Interior shall submit the first report required under paragraph (1) not later than October 1, 2024. The requirements of this subsection shall expire on October 1, 2028. The Secretaries, in coordination with recipients of financial assistance for slip-on tanker units provided under section 40803(c)(5) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (16 U.S.C. 6592(c)(5)), shall— in coordination with the Administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration, promulgate guidance for the mobilization of slip-on tanker units for wildfire response; as practicable, incorporate mobilized slip-on tanker units into resource tracking systems; and collaborate with the Administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration regarding any necessary training for operators of slip-on tanker units.

203. Research and development of unmanned aircraft system fire applications In this section, the term unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements (including, if applicable, communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently. The Secretaries shall, acting through the Joint Fire Science Program, work with universities and other research institutions to carry out research and development on the wildfire response applications of unmanned aircraft systems. The Secretaries may coordinate with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to test an unmanned aircraft system developed under this section at an unmanned aircraft test range in accordance with section 44803 of title 49, United States Code. There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretaries such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.

204. Study on drone incursions on wildfire suppression In this section: The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. The term drone means an unmanned aircraft system owned by a private individual or entity. The term drone incursion means the operation of a drone within any airspace for which the Administrator has issued a temporary flight restriction because of a wildfire. The Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall conduct a study on the effects of drone incursions on wildfire suppression with respect to land managed by the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture. In conducting the study required under subsection (b), the Administrator shall— determine, for each of the 5 most recent calendar years— the number of occurrences in which a drone incursion interfered with wildfire suppression; and the estimated effect of each occurrence described in subparagraph (A) on— the length of time required to achieve complete suppression; any associated delay in the fielding of aerial firefighting response units; and the amounts expended by the Federal Government; and evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of various actions to prevent drone incursions, including— the use of counter-drone radio towers; the use of reasonable force to disable, damage, or destroy a drone; the seizure of a drone, including seizure with a net device; and the dissemination of educational materials relating to the effects of drone incursions on wildfire suppression. Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the congressional committees, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report describing— the findings of the study required under subsection (b); and any recommendations relating to those findings.

205. Study on modernizing wildfire response technologies The Secretaries shall conduct a study on— necessary improvements to radio communications systems and infrastructure during wildland fire or prescribed fire operations, including— an assessment of the quality and reliability of existing radio infrastructure; for any instance in which existing radio communications infrastructure has failed, an assessment of the impacts on forest management or wildfire response activities; a comparison of existing options to improve on-the-ground communications; and a cost analysis and estimated timeline to install the most feasible option identified under subparagraph (C); real-time or near-real-time situational awareness tools for operational firefighters, including— standards and requirements for such tools to ensure interoperability between Federal firefighting entities and applicable State, local, Tribal, or other partners; any requirements for additional remote sensing and mapping capabilities to fully leverage such situational awareness tools; and a cost comparison between commercially available systems and internally developed systems; and wildland fire predictive modeling, including— an analysis of the data required to reduce predictive error for existing or developing models; an analysis of computing needs to more swiftly or accurately model wildland fire using existing or developing models; the feasibility of using artificial intelligence for wildland fire modeling; and existing or developing wildland fire predictive models that could assist with establishing safe conditions for igniting a prescribed fire. Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries shall submit to the congressional committees and make publicly available the results of the study conducted under subsection (a).

301. Funding for online guides for post-disaster assistance Section 201(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5131(a)) is amended— in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and by adding at the end the following: post-disaster assistance. Section 201 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5131) is amended by adding at the end the following: The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency may enter into cooperative agreements to provide funding or technical assistance to a State agency designated or established under subsection (c) to establish, update, or operate a website to provide information relating to post-disaster recovery funding and resources to a community or an individual impacted by a major disaster or emergency. A website established, updated, or operated under this subsection shall be— managed by the State agency; and suitable for the residents of the State of the State agency. The Administrator may provide funding to a State agency under this subsection to establish, update, or operate a website that provides only 1 or more of the following: A list of Federal, State, and local sources of post-disaster recovery funding or assistance that may be available to a community after a disaster or emergency. A list of Federal, State, and local sources of post-disaster recovery funding or assistance that may be available to an individual impacted by a major disaster or emergency. A technical guide that lists and explains the costs and benefits of alternatives available to a community to mitigate the impacts of a major disaster or emergency and prepare for sequential hazards, such as flooding after a wildfire. A State agency that receives funding or technical assistance to establish, update, or operate a website under this subsection shall cooperate with the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in establishing, updating, or operating the website under this subsection. A State agency that receives funding to establish, update, or operate a website under this subsection shall update the website not less frequently than once every 180 days. (8)post-disaster assistance.. (e)Funding for online guides for assistance(1)In generalThe Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency may enter into cooperative agreements to provide funding or technical assistance to a State agency designated or established under subsection (c) to establish, update, or operate a website to provide information relating to post-disaster recovery funding and resources to a community or an individual impacted by a major disaster or emergency.(2)ManagementA website established, updated, or operated under this subsection shall be—(A)managed by the State agency; and(B)suitable for the residents of the State of the State agency.(3)ContentThe Administrator may provide funding to a State agency under this subsection to establish, update, or operate a website that provides only 1 or more of the following:(A)A list of Federal, State, and local sources of post-disaster recovery funding or assistance that may be available to a community after a disaster or emergency.(B)A list of Federal, State, and local sources of post-disaster recovery funding or assistance that may be available to an individual impacted by a major disaster or emergency.(C)A technical guide that lists and explains the costs and benefits of alternatives available to a community to mitigate the impacts of a major disaster or emergency and prepare for sequential hazards, such as flooding after a wildfire.(4)CooperationA State agency that receives funding or technical assistance to establish, update, or operate a website under this subsection shall cooperate with the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in establishing, updating, or operating the website under this subsection.(5)UpdatesA State agency that receives funding to establish, update, or operate a website under this subsection shall update the website not less frequently than once every 180 days..

302. Post-fire management and recovery Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall establish 1 or more permanent Burned Area Emergency Response Teams (referred to in this section as a BAER Team) to coordinate immediate post-wildfire emergency stabilization and erosion planning efforts. A BAER Team shall— survey the landscape affected by a wildfire to determine burn severity; identify and remove, as necessary, dead or dying trees that may pose an immediate hazard to individuals, communities, or critical infrastructure; stabilize or remove hazardous materials resulting from a wildfire that may pose an immediate hazard to individuals, communities, or the environment; conduct emergency landscape stabilization and erosion prevention work, prioritizing efforts that ensure public safety; prevent the proliferation and spread of invasive species; assist with informing the public of hazards resulting from a wildfire; collaborate, as necessary, with activities under section 303; and conduct such other work as the Secretary concerned determines to be necessary. To the maximum extent practicable, a BAER Team shall coordinate and respond to immediate post-wildfire emergency stabilization and erosion planning needs for a period of not more than 1 year after the date of containment of a wildfire. The Secretary concerned may use to carry out this section funds made available by section 40803(c)(16) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (16 U.S.C. 6592(c)(16)).

303. Long-Term Burned Area Rehabilitation account There is established in the Treasury of the United States the Long-Term Burned Area Rehabilitation account for the Department of Agriculture. There are authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2025 and each fiscal year thereafter for the account established by subsection (a) such sums as are necessary to carry out the activities described in subsection (d), not to exceed $100,000,000. For fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit through the budget request of the President and in accordance with subsection (b), a request for amounts in the National Forest System appropriation account to carry out the activities described in subsection (d). The Secretary of Agriculture shall use amounts in the account established by subsection (a) for rehabilitation projects located at sites impacted by a wildfire or post-wildfire flooding primarily on Federal land, but may include areas on non-Federal land, that— restore the functions of an ecosystem, including— identifying areas where natural regeneration is unlikely to occur; revegetation and reforestation, including coordinating any necessary site preparation, salvage harvesting, and replanting; watershed restoration; invasive species mitigation and removal; and wildlife habitat restoration; or repair or replace infrastructure or facilities critical for land management activities. A rehabilitation project under subsection (d) shall— begin not earlier than the date on which the wildfire was contained; and be completed not later than 5 years after the date on which the wildfire was contained. The Secretary of Agriculture may enter to agreements with non-Federal entities to carry out activities described in subsection (d). The non-Federal share of the costs of implementing activities under an agreement entered into under paragraph (1)— shall be not more than 20 percent; and may include in-kind contributions. Nothing in this subsection— requires the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements with non-Federal entities to carry out activities described in subsection (d); or limits the effect of the prioritization requirements under subsection (g). The Secretary of Agriculture shall prioritize, on a nationwide basis, projects for which funding requests are submitted under this section based on downstream effects on water resources. Beginning in fiscal year 2027, and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary of Agriculture shall annually submit to Congress a report on the burned area recovery work performed using— amounts from the account established by subsection (a); amounts made available under the Act of June 9, 1930 (16 U.S.C. 576 et seq.); and amounts from the Reforestation Trust Fund established by section 303(a) of Public Law 96–451 (16 U.S.C. 1606a(a)).

304. Prize for wildfire-related invasive species reduction Section 7001(d) of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (16 U.S.C. 742b note; Public Law 116–9) is amended— by striking paragraph (8)(A) each place it appears and inserting paragraph (9)(A); by striking paragraph (8)(B) each place it appears and inserting paragraph (9)(B); by redesignating paragraph (8) as paragraph (9); by inserting after paragraph (7) the following: In this paragraph: The term Board means the Management of Wildfire-Related Invasive Species Technology Advisory Board established by subparagraph (C)(i). The term prize competition means the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the management of wildfire-related invasive species established under subparagraph (B). Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Western Wildfire Support Act of 2024, the Secretary shall establish under section 24 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719) a prize competition, to be known as the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the management of wildfire-related invasive species— to encourage technological innovation with the potential to advance the mission of the National Invasive Species Council with respect to the management of wildfire-related invasive species; and to award 1 or more prizes annually for a technological advancement that manages wildfire-related invasive species. There is established an advisory board, to be known as the Management of Wildfire-Related Invasive Species Technology Advisory Board. The Board shall be composed of not fewer than 9 members appointed by the Secretary, who shall provide expertise in— invasive species; biology; technology development; engineering; economics; business development and management; wildfire; and any other discipline, as the Secretary determines to be necessary to achieve the purposes of this paragraph. Subject to clause (iv), with respect to the prize competition, the Board shall— select a topic; issue a problem statement; advise the Secretary regarding any opportunity for technological innovation to manage wildfire-related invasive species; and advise winners of the prize competition regarding opportunities to pilot and implement winning technologies in relevant fields, including in partnership with conservation organizations, Federal or State agencies, federally recognized Indian Tribes, private entities, and research institutions with expertise or interest relating to the management of wildfire-related invasive species. In selecting a topic and issuing a problem statement for the prize competition, the Board shall consult widely with Federal and non-Federal stakeholders, including— 1 or more Federal agencies with jurisdiction over the management of invasive species; 1 or more Federal agencies with jurisdiction over the management of wildfire; 1 or more State agencies with jurisdiction over the management of invasive species; 1 or more State agencies with jurisdiction over the management of wildfire; 1 or more State, regional, or local wildlife organizations, the mission of which relates to the management of invasive species; and 1 or more wildlife conservation groups, technology companies, research institutions, institutions of higher education, industry associations, or individual stakeholders with an interest in the management of wildfire-related invasive species. The Board shall comply with all requirements under paragraph (9)(A). The Secretary, acting through the Executive Director of the National Invasive Species Council, shall administer the prize competition and perform the duties described in paragraph (9)(B)(i). The Secretary shall appoint not fewer than 3 judges who shall, except as provided in clause (ii), select the 1 or more annual winners of the prize competition. The judges appointed under clause (i) shall not select any annual winner of the prize competition if the Secretary makes a determination that, in any fiscal year, none of the technological advancements entered into the prize competition merits an award. Not later than 60 days after the date on which a cash prize is awarded under this paragraph, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report on the prize competition that includes— a statement by the Board that describes the activities carried out by the Board relating to the duties described in subparagraph (C)(iii); a description of the 1 or more annual winners of the prize competition; and a statement by 1 or more of the judges appointed under subparagraph (E) that explains the basis on which the 1 or more winners of the prize competition was selected. The Board and all authority provided under this paragraph shall terminate on December 31, 2028. in paragraph (9) (as so redesignated)— in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking or (7)(C)(i) and inserting (7)(C)(i), or (8)(C)(i); and in subparagraph (C)— in clause (i), by inserting and the amount of the initial cash prize awarded for a year under paragraph (8) after subparagraph (B)(i)(IX); and by adding at the end the following: If the Secretary determines that funds are available for an additional cash prize under the prize competition under paragraph (8) for a year, the Secretary shall determine the amount of the additional cash prize. (8)Theodore roosevelt genius prize for management of wildfire-related invasive species(A)DefinitionsIn this paragraph:(i)BoardThe term Board means the Management of Wildfire-Related Invasive Species Technology Advisory Board established by subparagraph (C)(i).(ii)Prize competitionThe term prize competition means the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the management of wildfire-related invasive species established under subparagraph (B).(B)AuthorityNot later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Western Wildfire Support Act of 2024, the Secretary shall establish under section 24 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719) a prize competition, to be known as the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the management of wildfire-related invasive species—(i)to encourage technological innovation with the potential to advance the mission of the National Invasive Species Council with respect to the management of wildfire-related invasive species; and(ii)to award 1 or more prizes annually for a technological advancement that manages wildfire-related invasive species.(C)Advisory board(i)EstablishmentThere is established an advisory board, to be known as the Management of Wildfire-Related Invasive Species Technology Advisory Board.(ii)CompositionThe Board shall be composed of not fewer than 9 members appointed by the Secretary, who shall provide expertise in—(I)invasive species;(II)biology;(III)technology development;(IV)engineering;(V)economics;(VI)business development and management;(VII)wildfire; and(VIII)any other discipline, as the Secretary determines to be necessary to achieve the purposes of this paragraph.(iii)DutiesSubject to clause (iv), with respect to the prize competition, the Board shall—(I)select a topic;(II)issue a problem statement;(III)advise the Secretary regarding any opportunity for technological innovation to manage wildfire-related invasive species; and(IV)advise winners of the prize competition regarding opportunities to pilot and implement winning technologies in relevant fields, including in partnership with conservation organizations, Federal or State agencies, federally recognized Indian Tribes, private entities, and research institutions with expertise or interest relating to the management of wildfire-related invasive species.(iv)ConsultationIn selecting a topic and issuing a problem statement for the prize competition, the Board shall consult widely with Federal and non-Federal stakeholders, including—(I)1 or more Federal agencies with jurisdiction over the management of invasive species;(II)1 or more Federal agencies with jurisdiction over the management of wildfire;(III)1 or more State agencies with jurisdiction over the management of invasive species;(IV)1 or more State agencies with jurisdiction over the management of wildfire;(V)1 or more State, regional, or local wildlife organizations, the mission of which relates to the management of invasive species; and(VI)1 or more wildlife conservation groups, technology companies, research institutions, institutions of higher education, industry associations, or individual stakeholders with an interest in the management of wildfire-related invasive species.(v)RequirementsThe Board shall comply with all requirements under paragraph (9)(A).(D)Administration by the national invasive species councilThe Secretary, acting through the Executive Director of the National Invasive Species Council, shall administer the prize competition and perform the duties described in paragraph (9)(B)(i).(E)Judges(i)AppointmentThe Secretary shall appoint not fewer than 3 judges who shall, except as provided in clause (ii), select the 1 or more annual winners of the prize competition.(ii)Determination by secretaryThe judges appointed under clause (i) shall not select any annual winner of the prize competition if the Secretary makes a determination that, in any fiscal year, none of the technological advancements entered into the prize competition merits an award.(F)Report to congressNot later than 60 days after the date on which a cash prize is awarded under this paragraph, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report on the prize competition that includes—(i)a statement by the Board that describes the activities carried out by the Board relating to the duties described in subparagraph (C)(iii);(ii)a description of the 1 or more annual winners of the prize competition; and(iii)a statement by 1 or more of the judges appointed under subparagraph (E) that explains the basis on which the 1 or more winners of the prize competition was selected.(G)Termination of authorityThe Board and all authority provided under this paragraph shall terminate on December 31, 2028.; and (iii)Additional wildfire cash prizesIf the Secretary determines that funds are available for an additional cash prize under the prize competition under paragraph (8) for a year, the Secretary shall determine the amount of the additional cash prize..