Padilla, EPW Committee Members Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Wildfires, Increase Use of Prescribed Fire

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, introduced the bipartisan Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act (WEPA) of 2026.

WEPA 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.

"We know prescribed burns help prevent catastrophic wildfires and save lives," said Senator Padilla. "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."

"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," said Senator Curtis. "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."

"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," said Senator Merkley. "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."

"I am very proud to cosponsor this legislation, which will help reduce the impact of wildfires on our land, our air, and our people," said Senator Capito. "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."

"In light of the devastating wildfires we now see far too often, Congress should do everything it can to encourage better forest management practices," said Senator Boozman. "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."

"Arizona knows the damage catastrophic wildfires can do to our communities and forests," said Senator Kelly. "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. 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."

Specifically, WEPA would:

• Make it easier for states and communities to use prescribed fire to prevent wildfire emissions;
• Provide certainty that states won't be penalized for taking action to prevent wildfires;
• Promote the efficient use of state air quality resources; and
• Make our forests and communities safer, healthier, and cleaner.

The bill text is available here.

A one-page overview of the bill is available here.

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