[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1462 Reported in Senate (RS)]
<DOC>
Calendar No. 212
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1462
To improve forest management activities on National Forest System land,
public land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management,
and Tribal land to return resilience to overgrown, fire-prone forested
land, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
April 10, 2025
Mr. Curtis (for himself, Mr. Hickenlooper, Mr. Sheehy, and Mr. Padilla)
introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
October 27, 2025
Reported by Mr. Boozman, with an amendment
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed
in italic]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To improve forest management activities on National Forest System land,
public land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management,
and Tribal land to return resilience to overgrown, fire-prone forested
land, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
<DELETED>SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Fix Our
Forests Act''.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act
is as follows:</DELETED>
<DELETED>Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
<DELETED>Sec. 2. Definitions.
<DELETED>TITLE I--LANDSCAPE-SCALE RESTORATION
<DELETED>Subtitle A--Addressing Emergency Wildfire Risks in High-
priority Firesheds
<DELETED>Sec. 101. Designation of fireshed management areas.
<DELETED>Sec. 102. Wildfire Intelligence Center.
<DELETED>Sec. 103. Fireshed Registry.
<DELETED>Sec. 104. Shared stewardship.
<DELETED>Sec. 105. Fireshed assessments.
<DELETED>Sec. 106. Emergency fireshed management.
<DELETED>Sec. 107. Sunset.
<DELETED>Subtitle B--Expanding Collaborative Tools to Reduce Wildfire
Risk and Improve Forest Health
<DELETED>Sec. 111. Modification of treatment of certain revenue and
payments under good neighbor agreements.
<DELETED>Sec. 112. Fixing stewardship end result contracting.
<DELETED>Sec. 113. Fireshed management project strike teams.
<DELETED>Sec. 114. Locally led restoration.
<DELETED>Sec. 115. Joint Chiefs Landscape Restoration Partnership
Program.
<DELETED>Sec. 116. Collaborative forest landscape restoration program.
<DELETED>Sec. 117. Utilizing grazing for wildfire risk reduction.
<DELETED>Sec. 118. Water Source Protection Program.
<DELETED>Sec. 119. Watershed Condition Framework technical corrections.
<DELETED>Sec. 120. Tribal forest protection management activities and
projects.
<DELETED>Subtitle C--Litigation Reform
<DELETED>Sec. 121. Commonsense litigation reform.
<DELETED>Sec. 122. Consultation on forest plans.
<DELETED>Subtitle D--Prescribed Fire
<DELETED>Sec. 131. Prescribed fire eligible activities, policies, and
practices.
<DELETED>Sec. 132. Human resources.
<DELETED>Sec. 133. Liability of prescribed fire managers.
<DELETED>Sec. 134. Environmental review.
<DELETED>Sec. 135. Cooperative agreements and contracts for prescribed
fire.
<DELETED>Sec. 136. Facilitating responsible use of prescribed fire.
<DELETED>TITLE II--PROTECTING COMMUNITIES IN WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE
<DELETED>Subtitle A--Community Wildfire Risk Reduction
<DELETED>Sec. 201. Community Wildfire Risk Reduction Program.
<DELETED>Sec. 202. Community Wildfire Defense Research Program.
<DELETED>Sec. 203. Community wildfire defense accountability.
<DELETED>Sec. 204. Community wildfire defense grant program
improvements.
<DELETED>Sec. 205. Updated definition of at-risk community.
<DELETED>Subtitle B--Vegetation Management, Reforestation, and Local
Fire Suppression
<DELETED>Sec. 211. Vegetation management, facility inspection, and
operation and maintenance relating to
electric transmission and distribution
facility rights-of-way.
<DELETED>Sec. 212. Fire-safe electrical corridors.
<DELETED>Sec. 213. Categorical exclusion for high-priority hazard
trees.
<DELETED>Sec. 214. Seeds of Success strategy.
<DELETED>Sec. 215. Program to support priority reforestation and
restoration projects.
<DELETED>Sec. 216. Reforestation, nurseries, and genetic resources
support.
<DELETED>Sec. 217. Fire department repayment.
<DELETED>TITLE III--TRANSPARENCY, TECHNOLOGY, AND PARTNERSHIPS
<DELETED>Subtitle A--Transparency and Technology
<DELETED>Sec. 301. Biochar innovations and opportunities for
conservation, health, and advancements in
research.
<DELETED>Sec. 302. Accurate hazardous fuels reduction reports.
<DELETED>Sec. 303. Public-private wildfire technology deployment and
demonstration partnership.
<DELETED>Sec. 304. GAO study on Forest Service policies.
<DELETED>Sec. 305. Keeping forest plans current and monitored.
<DELETED>Sec. 306. Container Aerial Firefighting System.
<DELETED>Sec. 307. Study on pine beetle infestation.
<DELETED>Subtitle B--White Oak Resilience
<DELETED>Sec. 311. White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition.
<DELETED>Sec. 312. Forest Service pilot program.
<DELETED>Sec. 313. Department of the Interior white oak review and
restoration.
<DELETED>Sec. 314. White oak regeneration and upland oak habitat.
<DELETED>Sec. 315. Tree nursery shortages.
<DELETED>Sec. 316. White oak research.
<DELETED>Sec. 317. USDA formal initiative.
<DELETED>Sec. 318. Use of authorities.
<DELETED>TITLE IV--ENSURING CASUALTY ASSISTANCE FOR FIREFIGHTERS
<DELETED>Sec. 401. Wildland Fire Management Casualty Assistance
Program.
<DELETED>SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> In this Act:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) End water user.--The term ``end water user''
has the meaning given the term in section 303(a) of the Healthy
Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6542(a)).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Executive director.--The term ``Executive
Director'' means the Executive Director of the Wildfire
Intelligence Center appointed under section 102(g).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Fireshed.--The term ``fireshed'' means a
landscape-scale area, as delineated using methods developed
through research conducted by the Forest Service, that
represents similar source levels of community exposure to
wildfire.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Fireshed management area.--The term ``fireshed
management area'' means a fireshed management area designated
under section 101(a).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) Fireshed management project.--The term
``fireshed management project'' means any of the following
forest or vegetation management activities:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) A hazardous fuels management
activity.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Creating a fuel break or fire
break.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) Removing hazard trees, dead trees, or
dying trees, as determined by a responsible
official.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) Developing, approving, or conducting
routine maintenance under a vegetation management,
facility inspection, and operation and maintenance plan
under section 512(c) of the Federal Land Policy and
Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1772(c)).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) Removing trees to address overstocking
or crowding in a forest stand, consistent with
achieving the appropriate basal area of the forest
stand, as determined by a responsible
official.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (F) Using treatments to address insects or
disease or to control vegetation competition or
invasive species.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (G) A wet-meadow, floodplain, or riparian
restoration activity that increases wildfire
resistance.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (H) A forest stand improvement activity
necessary to protect life and property from
catastrophic wildfire, as determined by a responsible
official.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) Any combination of activities
described in this paragraph.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) Fireshed registry.--The term ``Fireshed
Registry'' means the registry established under section
103(a).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (7) Forest plan.--The term ``forest plan'' means--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) a land use plan prepared by the Bureau
of Land Management for public land pursuant to section
202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of
1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712);</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) a land and resource management plan
prepared by the Forest Service for a unit of the
National Forest System pursuant to section 6 of the
Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act
of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604); and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) a forest management plan (as defined
in section 304 of the National Indian Forest Resources
Management Act (25 U.S.C. 3103)) with respect to Indian
forest land or rangeland.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (8) Governor.--The term ``Governor'' means the
Governor or other appropriate executive official of--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) a State; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) an Indian Tribe.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (9) Hazardous fuels management activity.--The term
``hazardous fuels management activity'' means a vegetation
management activity, or any combination of such activities,
that reduces the risk of wildfire, including mechanical
thinning, mastication, prescribed burning, cultural burning (as
determined by an applicable Indian Tribe), timber harvest, and
grazing.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (10) HFRA terms.--The terms ``at-risk community'',
``community wildfire protection plan'', and ``wildland-urban
interface'' have the meanings given those terms in section 101
of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C.
6511).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (11) Indian forest land or rangeland.--The term
``Indian forest land or rangeland'' means land that--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) is held in trust, or subject to a
restriction against alienation, by the United States
for an Indian Tribe or a member of an Indian Tribe;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B)(i) is Indian forest land (as defined
in section 304 of the National Indian Forest Resources
Management Act (25 U.S.C. 3103)); or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii)(I) has a cover of grasses, brush, or
any similar vegetation; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (II) formerly had a forest cover or
vegetative cover that is capable of
restoration.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (12) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian Tribe'' has
the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.
5304).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (13) 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)).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (14) Public land.--The term ``public land''
means--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) public lands (as defined in section
103 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of
1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702));</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the land reconveyed to the United
States pursuant to the first section of the Act of
February 26, 1919 (40 Stat. 1179, chapter 47) (commonly
known as ``Coos Bay Wagon Road Grant lands'') under the
jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) the land revested in the United States
by the Act of June 9, 1916 (39 Stat. 218, chapter 137)
(commonly known as ``Oregon and California Railroad
Grant lands'') under the jurisdiction of the Secretary
of the Interior.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (15) Relevant committees of congress.--The term
``relevant committees of Congress'' means--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) in the Senate--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) in the House of Representatives--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) the Committee on Agriculture;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) the Committee on Natural
Resources.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (16) Secretaries.--The term ``Secretaries''
means--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the Secretary; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the Secretary of the
Interior.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (17) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the
Secretary of Agriculture.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (18) Secretary concerned.--The term ``Secretary
concerned'' means--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the Secretary, with respect to
National Forest System land; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the Secretary of the Interior, with
respect to public land.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (19) Special district.--The term ``special
district'' means a political subdivision of a State that--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) has significant budgetary autonomy or
control;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) was established by, or pursuant to,
the laws of the State for the purpose of performing a
limited and specific governmental or proprietary
function primarily relating to land management;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) is distinct from any other unit of
local government within the State.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (20) State.--The term ``State'' means--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) each of the several States;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the District of Columbia;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) each territory of the United
States.</DELETED>
<DELETED>TITLE I--LANDSCAPE-SCALE RESTORATION</DELETED>
<DELETED>Subtitle A--Addressing Emergency Wildfire Risks in High-
priority Firesheds</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 101. DESIGNATION OF FIRESHED MANAGEMENT AREAS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Designations.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Initial designations.--Subject to paragraph
(4), for the 5-year period beginning on the date of enactment
of this Act, the following firesheds are designated as fireshed
management areas:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) Each landscape-scale fireshed
identified as a ``high-risk fireshed'' in the document
published by the Forest Service entitled ``Wildfire
Crisis Strategy'' and dated January 2022.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Of the 7,688 firesheds described in
the report published by the Rocky Mountain Research
Station of the Forest Service in 2019, each landscape-
scale fireshed identified by the Secretary, in
consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, as
being in the top 20 percent for wildfire exposure based
on the following criteria:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) Wildfire exposure and
corresponding risk to communities, including
risk to life, critical infrastructure, and
other structures.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) Wildfire exposure and
corresponding risk to municipal watersheds,
including Tribal water supplies and
systems.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) Risk of vegetation type
conversion due to wildfire, based on
information from existing forest plans, State
forest action plans, and best available
science.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Designations in alaska, hawaii, and
territories.--Not later than 30 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the
Secretary of the Interior, shall designate in the States of
Alaska and Hawaii and the territories of the United States such
additional fireshed management areas as the Secretaries
determine to be appropriate, based on the criteria described in
clauses (i) through (iii) of paragraph (1)(B).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Map-based updated designations.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) Map of firesheds.--Not later than the
date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, and not less frequently than once every 5
years thereafter, the Secretary, in consultation with
the Secretary of the Interior, shall submit to the
relevant committees of Congress an updated map of
firesheds, which shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) be based on the Fireshed
Registry; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) include firesheds in the
States of Alaska and Hawaii and the territories
of the United States.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Fireshed management areas.--Not later
than 60 days after submitting an updated fireshed map
under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall designate
as a fireshed management area each fireshed depicted on
that map that the Secretary, in consultation with the
Secretary of the Interior, identifies as being in the
top 20 percent of firesheds at risk of wildfire
exposure based on the criteria described in clauses (i)
through (iii) of paragraph (1)(B) and in accordance
with this section.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) Publication.--The Secretary shall make
each updated map prepared under this paragraph publicly
available on the Fireshed Registry.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Land location and content.--A fireshed
management area designated under this subsection--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) shall not overlap with any other
fireshed management area; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) may contain Federal and non-Federal
land, including Indian forest land or
rangeland.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) Combining multiple firesheds.--On receipt of a
request of an affected Governor, the Secretary, in consultation
with the Secretary of the Interior, may expand a fireshed
management area designated under this subsection to include
more than 1 fireshed.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Use.--The Secretary concerned may carry out fireshed
management projects on the fireshed management areas designated under
this section.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Applicability of NEPA.--The designation of a fireshed
management area under this section shall not be subject to the
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 102. WILDFIRE INTELLIGENCE CENTER.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Board.--The term ``Board'' means the Board
governing the Center appointed under subsection (f).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Center.--The term ``Center'' means the
Wildfire Intelligence Center established under subsection
(b).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Secretary of the
Interior shall establish a joint office, to be known as the ``Wildfire
Intelligence Center'', the duties of which are to study, plan,
coordinate, and implement issues of joint concern among the Department
of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior, including--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) serving as the development and operational
center for the comprehensive assessment and prediction of
wildfires and fires that move into the built environment to
provide decision support services to inform land and fuels
management, community outreach and risk reduction, post-
wildfire recovery and rehabilitation, and fire management and
response activities carried out by entities, including--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the Federal Government;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) State, Tribal, and local
governments;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) land managers;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) incident management teams;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) the National Interagency Coordination
Center;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (F) geographic coordination
centers;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (G) land, air, and water
managers;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (H) burned area rehabilitation
teams;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) public health entities; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (J) other entities identified by the
Board;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) facilitating collaboration and information
sharing across Federal and State departments and agencies,
Tribal entities, academia, and the private sector with respect
to matters relating to wildfires; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) addressing such other issues as the Secretary
and the Secretary of the Interior may identify as issues of
joint interest in support of the functions of the Center
described in subsection (d).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Headquarters.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Board shall select from within the United
States a permanent location for the physical headquarters of the
Center.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Functions.--The functions of the Center shall include
the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Providing real-time, science-based, and data-
rich scientific and technical analytical services, decision
support, and predictive services across all phases of fire to
inform pre-fire land and fuels management, pre-fire community
and built environment risk reduction, active fire management
and emergency response, and post-fire recovery in the built and
natural environments.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Assessing and monitoring wildfires and
wildfire conditions across all phases of fire, including
ignition, behavior, and spread, climate, weather, drought, soil
moisture, fuel conditions, smoke, aerosols, fire severity,
debris flows, and erosion.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Comprehensive modeling of wildfire behavior
and risks, including ignitions, wildfire intensity and spread
inside the built and natural environments, air quality, and
dependence on burn history, vegetation conditions, climate, and
weather.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Providing and procuring, if commercially
available, and combining existing data, mapping, technological,
and consultation services to support pre-, active, and post-
fire activities, including--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) creating and maintaining a real-time
nationwide wildfire risk catalog by leveraging existing
risk mapping at land management agencies;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) assisting with the creation of
evacuation plans for at-risk communities;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) assisting with the creation of public
safety power shutoff plans;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) assisting with the creation and
updating of wildfire response strategies, plans, and
treatment and mitigation measures, including mitigation
measures in the built environment and the development
of community wildfire protection plans;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) providing decision support and gridded
and point data forecast and assessment products in
support of operational and planning activities,
including the pre-positioning of wildfire suppression
personnel and assets based on real-time-risk;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (F) assisting with the safe and effective
use of prescribed fire.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) Consolidating air quality monitoring and
forecasting data to support health risk information to help
inform risks to public health and protect the public from smoke
impacts associated with wildfires, including providing planning
guidance for safe and effective beneficial fire opportunities
to prevent the risk of wildfires.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) Providing accessible tools and products that
support emergency and land management decisions relating to
wildfire prevention, preparedness, and response, including risk
assessment and contingency planning, which shall include the
development of a data interface to assist and inform, in real-
time, firefighters, first responders, and approved contractors
in responding to wildfires, including the use of any
observations by the civil, military, and intelligence
communities of the Federal Government and commercial Earth
observations.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (7) Establishing an interoperable information
technology infrastructure accessible by Federal agencies, State
government offices, units of local government, and Tribal
governments.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (8) To the extent feasible, establishing data
interoperability through--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the development of common data
standards;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the provision of comprehensive
searchable data inventories;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) working with Tribal governments in
nation-to-nation partnership;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) the integration and sharing of
information and resources of the Federal Government and
State and local governments to support the essential
functions of the Center;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) the development of data standards to
protect confidential information that may be essential
to the core functions of the Center;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (F) regular updates and maintenance of
research and technology essential to achieving the core
functions of the Center; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (G) the development and maintenance of a
big-data architecture to compile, maintain,
standardize, and evaluate data associated with the core
functions of the Center.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (9) In coordination with relevant Federal agencies
and coordinating entities, as determined by the Board, and in
consultation with State government agencies, units of local
government, territories of the United States, and federally
recognized Indian Tribes, developing, procuring where
commercially available, and disseminating tools to support
wildfire planning, risk reduction and response guidance,
guidelines, maps, and training materials to help inform State,
territorial, local, and Tribal governments and decisionmakers
with respect to--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the use and implementations of
wildfire risk assessments;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the applied use of the database and
information developed under paragraphs (7) and
(8);</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) reducing losses from
wildfires;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) increasing benefits from
wildfires;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) resources available for communities
and responders working to improve wildfire
preparedness; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (F) enhancing communication management in
emergency wildfire situations, land and resource
management, and scientific studies.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (10) Working with Federal, State, and Tribal
agencies to develop and improve National Wildfire Coordinating
Group wildfire preparedness curricula and training modules
for--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) State, territorial, local, and Tribal
officials; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Federal, State, territorial, local,
and Tribal emergency managers and responders.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (11) Maintaining the Fireshed Registry.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (12) Administering the pilot program established
under section 303 and streamlining procurement processes for
technologies identified under that pilot program and technology
systems related to addressing wildfire and smoke for purposes
of scaling such technologies and systems across Federal
agencies.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (e) Administration.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Secretary and the Secretary
of the Interior shall cooperatively administer the
Center.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Transfer of funds.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph
(B), the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior
may transfer funds provided to establish, and carry out
the duties of, the Center between--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) the Forest Service;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) the United States Geological
Survey.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Notice required.--Not later than 15
days before transferring funds under subparagraph (A),
the Secretary or the Secretary of the Interior, as
applicable, shall submit to the Committee on
Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives a notice
of the proposed transfer.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (f) Board.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Membership.--The Center shall be governed by a
Board, to be composed of 16 members, as follows:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) 1 member who is a career employee of
the Department of Agriculture, to be appointed by the
Secretary.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) 1 member who is a career employee of
the research and development areas of the Forest
Service, to be appointed by the Chief of the Forest
Service.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) 1 member who is a career employee in
fire and aviation management of the Forest Service, to
be appointed by the Chief of the Forest
Service.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) 1 member who is a career employee of
the Department of the Interior, to be appointed by the
Secretary of the Interior.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) 1 member who is a career employee of
the Bureau of Land Management, to be appointed by the
Director of the Bureau of Land Management.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (F) 1 member who is a career employee of
the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to be appointed by the
Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (G) 1 member who is a career employee of
the National Park Service, to be appointed by the
Director of the National Park Service.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (H) 1 member who is a career employee of
the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, to be
appointed by the Director of the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) 1 member who is a career employee of
the United States Geological Survey, to be appointed by
the Director of the United States Geological
Survey.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (J) 1 member who is a career employee of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to
be appointed by the Administrator of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (K) 1 member who is a career employee of
the National Weather Service, to be appointed by the
Director of the National Weather Service.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (L) 1 member who is a career employee of
the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to be
appointed by the Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (M) 1 member who is a career employee of
the United States Fire Administration, to be appointed
by the Administrator of the United States Fire
Administration.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (N) 1 member who is a career employee of
the Department of Defense, to be appointed by the
Secretary of Defense.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (O) 1 member who is a career employee of
the National Science Foundation, to be appointed by the
Director of the National Science Foundation.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (P) 1 member who is a career employee of
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, to
be appointed by the Administrator of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Terms.--A member of the Board--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) shall be appointed for a term of 3
years; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) may be reappointed for not more than 3
additional terms.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Chairperson; vice chairperson.--The
Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Board shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) be selected by the members of the
Board from among the members appointed under
subparagraphs (B), (I), and (J) of paragraph (1);
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) serve for a term of 1 year.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Majority vote.--A voting consensus by the
Board shall be not less than a \2/3\ majority vote of the
members present.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) Nonvoting status.--At the discretion of the
Board, the Board may include nonvoting observers to the
Board.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (g) Executive Director.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Center shall have an
Executive Director, who shall be appointed by, and serve at the
direction of, the Board.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Drought monitoring.--The Executive Director
shall engage with relevant Federal agencies, State agencies,
and entities in the private sector to improve drought
monitoring, forecasting, communication, and response that may
be essential to the core functions of the Center, if the
Executive Director determines that the engagement is
appropriate, beneficial, and cost-effective.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Contracting authority.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) In general.--The Executive Director
may enter into and perform contracts, agreements,
memoranda of understanding, or other, similar
transactions, as the Executive Director determines to
be appropriate to carry out the functions of the Center
described in subsection (d).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Report.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Board and the
Executive Director shall submit to the relevant
committees of Congress a report that provides--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) an assessment of existing
contracting authorities of the Executive
Director;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) recommendations regarding
whether any new contracting authorities or
modifications of existing contracting
authorities are needed; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) a description of
technologies that may be commercially available
to perform the functions of the Center,
together with the costs and timelines of
procuring those technologies or developing
relevant capabilities.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (h) Detailees.--The Secretary and the Secretary of the
Interior may detail or assign to the Center such employees of the
Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior,
respectively, as the Secretaries determine to be necessary to carry out
the duties of the Center.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) Interagency Financing.--Notwithstanding section 708 of
the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2023
(Public Law 117-328; 136 Stat. 4706), or any other, similar provision
of law, interagency financing may be used to fund the Center.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (j) Coordination With Other Agencies and Entities.--To
carry out the functions of the Center described in subsection (d), the
Board shall coordinate with agencies represented on the Board and other
relevant entities, including--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) the National Wildfire Coordinating
Group;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) State and Tribal governments;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) any other agency that--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) is responsible for the management of
Federal or State land; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) has data, science, and technology
expertise relevant to the Center; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) any other relevant Federal, State, Tribal, or
nongovernmental entity that is representative of an element of
the wildland fire community.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (k) Operational Plan.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the
appointment of the Executive Director, the Executive Director
shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress an
operational plan describing--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the structure of the Center;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) staffing and funding needs of the
Center;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) technological capabilities within the
Department of Agriculture, the Department of the
Interior, and the other Federal departments and
agencies comprising the Board that are available to the
Center;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) an assessment of the potential of
commercially available technologies to perform the
functions of the Center; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) a timeline for full operational
functioning of the Center.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Inclusions.--The plan under paragraph (1)
shall include estimated costs, key milestones, coordination
strategies with Federal, State, and private entities, and
recommendations for ensuring the effective operation of the
Center.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Updates.--The Director shall update the plan
not less frequently than annually to reflect progress,
adjustments in funding, and the adoption of new
technologies.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (l) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section affects
the ownership of any data source.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 103. FIRESHED REGISTRY.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Establishment.--The Secretaries, acting through the
Executive Director, shall establish and maintain, on a publicly
accessible website, a registry, to be known as the ``Fireshed
Registry'', that provides interactive geospatial data relating to
individual firesheds, including information relating to--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) wildland fire exposure, delineated by
ownership, including rights-of-way for utilities and other
public or private purposes;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) any hazardous fuels management activities that
have occurred within an individual fireshed during the
preceding 10 years;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) wildland fire exposure with respect to a
fireshed, delineated by--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) wildfire exposure and corresponding
risk to communities, including risk to life, critical
infrastructure, and other structures;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) wildfire exposure and corresponding
risk to municipal watersheds, including Tribal water
supplies and systems; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) risk of vegetation type conversion due
to wildfire;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) the percentage of a fireshed burned in
wildfire during the preceding 10 years, including, to the
extent practicable, delineations of acres that have burned at a
high severity;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) spatial patterns of wildfire exposure,
including plausible extreme fire events; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) any hazardous fuels management activities
planned for a fireshed, including fireshed management
projects.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Community Wildfire Protection Plans.--The Executive
Director shall make data from the Fireshed Registry available to local
communities developing or updating community wildfire protection
plans.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Maintenance.--As part of the website containing the
Fireshed Registry, the Executive Director shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) publish fireshed assessments conducted under
section 105; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) maintain a searchable database to track--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the status of Federal environmental
reviews, permits, and authorizations for fireshed
management projects, including--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) a comprehensive permitting
timetable;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) the status of the compliance
of each lead agency, cooperating agency, and
participating agency with the permitting
timetable with respect to fireshed management
projects;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) any required modifications
of the permitting timetable under clause (i),
including an explanation regarding why the
permitting timetable was modified;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iv) information regarding any
public meetings, public hearings, and public
comment periods relating to a fireshed
management project, as that information becomes
available, which shall be presented in--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) English; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (II) the predominant
language of each community that is most
affected by the fireshed management
project, as that information becomes
available;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the projected cost of fireshed
management projects; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) in the case of a completed fireshed
management project, the estimated effectiveness of the
fireshed management project in--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) reducing the wildfire exposure
within the applicable fireshed, including
wildfire exposure described in subparagraphs
(A) through (C) of subsection (a)(3);
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) increasing the resilience of
wildlife habitats, including habitat for
species listed as threatened or endangered
under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Incorporation of Existing Assessments and Data.--In
carrying out this section, the Executive Director shall incorporate any
assessments completed or data gathered through existing partnerships,
to the extent practicable.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (e) Applicability of NEPA.--The establishment and
maintenance of the Fireshed Registry under this section shall not be
subject to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 104. SHARED STEWARDSHIP.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Joint Agreements.--The Secretary concerned shall seek
to use an existing shared stewardship agreement, modify an existing
shared stewardship agreement, or enter into a similar agreement with
the Governor of each State and Indian Tribe that contains a fireshed
management area designated under section 101(a) to jointly--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) promote the reduction of wildfire exposure,
based on the criteria described in clauses (i) through (iii) of
section 101(a)(1)(B), in fireshed management areas across
jurisdictional boundaries; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) conduct fireshed assessments under section
105.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Adjustment of Boundaries and Updates to Agreements.--
With respect to an agreement under subsection (a), the Secretary
concerned, on request of the applicable Governor, may--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) adjust the boundaries of any applicable
fireshed management area; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) update the agreement to address any new
wildfire threats.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Cooperative Agreements.--The Secretary and the
Secretary of the Interior may enter into cooperative agreements with
units of local government, special districts, end water users,
nongovernmental organizations, institutions of higher education, and
other entities, at the discretion of the applicable Secretary to carry
out the activities described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection
(a).</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 105. FIRESHED ASSESSMENTS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned, in cooperation with the
Governor with whom the Secretary concerned enters into an agreement
under section 104(a), if applicable, shall conduct a fireshed
assessment in accordance with this section with respect to each
fireshed management area designated in the applicable State or area of
Tribal land.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Requirements.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--Each fireshed assessment under
subsection (a) shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) identify--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) using the best available
science, wildfire exposure risks within the
applicable fireshed management area, including
scenario planning and wildfire hazard mapping
and models; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) each at-risk community within
the fireshed management area;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) identify the types of fireshed
management projects that could benefit the fireshed
management area, with an emphasis on reducing--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) wildfire exposure and
corresponding risk to communities, including
risk to life, critical infrastructure, and
other structures;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) wildfire exposure and
corresponding risk to municipal watersheds,
including Tribal water supplies and
systems;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) risk of vegetation type
conversion due to wildfire;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iv) wildfire risk for wildlife
habitats, including habitat for species listed
as threatened or endangered under the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531
et seq.);</DELETED>
<DELETED> (v) wildfire risk to resources of
an Indian Tribe, as defined by the Indian
Tribe; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (vi) any combination of purposes
described in clauses (i) through (v);
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) include, with respect to the
applicable fireshed management area--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) a strategy for reducing the
threat of wildfire--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) to protect at-risk
communities in the wildland-urban
interface on Federal and non-Federal
land;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (II) to improve the
effectiveness of wildfire firefighting,
particularly the effectiveness of fuels
treatments that would improve wildfire
firefighter safety during wildfires;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (III) to reduce risk to
wildlife habitats, including habitat
for species listed as threatened or
endangered under the Endangered Species
Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et
seq.);</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) a timeline for the
implementation of fireshed management
projects;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) long-term benchmark goals
for the completion of fireshed management
projects in the highest wildfire exposure areas
to ensure that those fireshed management
projects contribute to the development and
maintenance of healthy and resilient
landscapes;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iv) a strategy to ensure that
fireshed management projects comply with
applicable forest plans and incorporate the
best available science; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (v) a strategy for maximizing the
retention of late-successional forests, to the
extent that the trees promote stands that are
resilient to insects and disease, and reduce
the risk or extent of, or increase resilience
to, wildfires.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Existing plans.--To the maximum extent
practicable, a fireshed assessment shall incorporate and build
on information, planning, and strategies contained in relevant
forest plans, State forest action plans, watershed management
plans, community wildfire protection plans, and similar locally
led landscape-scale planning documents.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Participation.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) State, tribal, and local
governments.--In addition to the parties to an
applicable agreement described in subsection (a), the
Secretary concerned shall coordinate with States,
Indian Tribes, units of local government, and other
entities that are parties to an agreement under section
104(c) within a fireshed management area in conducting
the fireshed assessment under paragraph (1).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Public.--In carrying out a fireshed
assessment under this section, the Secretary concerned
shall provide an opportunity for public participation
during the 45-day period beginning on the date of
initiation of the assessment, including--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) publication of information
regarding the development of the assessment--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) on a website
maintained by the Secretary concerned;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (II) at convenient
locations within the applicable
fireshed management area; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) at least 1 public
meeting.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Updates and Availability.--Each fireshed assessment
under subsection (a) shall be--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) regularly updated based on the best available
science, subject to the requirements of subsection (d)(2);
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) made publicly available on 1 or more websites
maintained by the Secretary concerned, including the Fireshed
Registry.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Information Improvement.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Memoranda of understanding.--In carrying out a
fireshed assessment under this section, the Secretary concerned
may enter into memoranda of understanding with other Federal
departments and agencies (including the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration), States, Indian Tribes, private
entities, or research or educational institutions to improve,
with respect to the assessment, the use and integration of--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) advanced remote sensing and geospatial
technologies;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) statistical modeling and analysis;
or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) any other technology or combination of
technologies and analyses that the Secretary concerned
determines will benefit the quality of information in
the assessment.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Best available science.--In using the best
available science for a fireshed assessment under this section,
the Secretary concerned and the applicable Governor shall
incorporate, to the maximum extent practicable--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) traditional ecological knowledge from
Indian Tribes;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) data from State forest action plans
and State wildfire risk assessments;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) data from the Fireshed Registry;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) data from other Federal, State,
Tribal, and local governments or agencies.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (e) Applicability of NEPA.--A fireshed assessment under
this section shall not be subject to the requirements of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 106. EMERGENCY FIRESHED MANAGEMENT.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Fireshed Management Projects.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through a
responsible official, shall carry out fireshed management
projects on land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary
concerned in fireshed management areas in accordance with this
section, the applicable forest plan, and the laws (including
regulations) applicable to the Secretary concerned.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Applicability of other provisions.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) In general.--The following shall have
the force and effect of law with respect to any
fireshed management project carried out in a fireshed
management area:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) Section 220.4(b) of title 36,
Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on
April 9, 2025), with respect to land under the
jurisdiction of the Secretary.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) Section 46.150 of title 43,
Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on
April 9, 2025), with respect to land under the
jurisdiction of the Secretary of the
Interior.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) Section 402.05 of title 50,
Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on
April 9, 2025).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iv) Section 800.12 of title 36,
Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on
April 9, 2025), except that any reference
contained in that regulation to an ``agency
official'' shall be considered to be a
reference to a responsible official.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Determination of emergency.--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) In general.--A regulation
referred to in subparagraph (A) shall not apply
pursuant to that subparagraph with respect to a
fireshed management project unless, before
carrying out the fireshed management project, a
responsible official--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) determines, in
accordance with the regulation, that an
emergency or emergency circumstance
exists;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (II) completes any
documentation or identification
processes required under such
regulation; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (III) provides public
notice of the determination of
emergency and each related fireshed
management project activity by
publishing such determination on a
website maintained by the Secretary
concerned.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) Requirement.--In carrying out
a fireshed management project under a
regulation referred to in subparagraph (A), a
responsible official shall ensure that such
fireshed management project is consistent with
the applicable forest plan and the laws
(including regulations) and policies applicable
to the Secretary concerned.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) Further clarification.--A regulation
referred to in subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any
fireshed management project unless such fireshed
management project will achieve a land management goal
described in section 604(c) of the Healthy Forests
Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591c(c)).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) Utilization of existing streamlined
authorities in fireshed management areas.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) In general.--Not later than 2
years after the date of enactment of this Act,
with respect to each fireshed management area
that contains Federal land, the Secretary
concerned, acting through a responsible
official, shall use not fewer than 1 of the
following expedited authorities for
environmental review to carry out fireshed
management projects:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) Section 603(a) of the
Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003
(16 U.S.C. 6591b(a)).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (II) Section 605(a) of the
Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003
(16 U.S.C. 6591d(a)).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (III) Section 606(b) of
the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of
2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591e(b)).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (IV) Section 40806(b) of
the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs
Act (16 U.S.C. 6592b(b)).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) Compliance with nepa.--In
applying expedited authorities for
environmental review to carry out fireshed
management projects under clause (i), the
Secretary concerned shall ensure--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) such project is
carried out in accordance with the
statute establishing the categorical
exclusion applied by the Secretary
concerned;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (II) compliance with the
National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (III) such project is
carried out in accordance with the
applicable forest plan or resource
management plan and the laws and
policies applicable to the Secretary
concerned.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) Additional emergency
actions.--The Secretary may declare an
emergency pursuant to section 40807 of the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (16
U.S.C. 6592c) for any fireshed management
project.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iv) Fiscal responsibility act
requirements.--In carrying out this section,
the Secretary concerned shall ensure compliance
with the amendments made to the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
4321 et seq.) by the Fiscal Responsibility Act
of 2023 (Public Law 118-5; 137 Stat.
38).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (v) Use of other authorities.--To
the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary
concerned shall use the authorities provided
under this section in combination with other
authorities to carry out fireshed management
projects, including--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) good neighbor
agreements under section 8206 of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C.
2113a) (as amended by this
Act);</DELETED>
<DELETED> (II) stewardship
contracting projects entered into under
section 604 of the Healthy Forests
Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C.
6591c) (as amended by this
Act);</DELETED>
<DELETED> (III) self-determination
contracts and self-governance compact
agreements entered into under the
Indian Self-Determination and Education
Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5301 et
seq.); and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (IV) agreements entered
into under the Tribal Forest Protection
Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-278; 118
Stat. 868).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Expansion.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Healthy forests restoration act amendments.--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) Definitions.--Section 3 of the Healthy
Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6502) is
amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) in paragraph (2), by striking
``450b'' and inserting ``5304''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) by adding at the end the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(3) Local government.--The term `local
government' means--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) a county;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) a municipality; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(C) a special district.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(4) Special district.--The term `special
district' means a political subdivision of a State that--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) has significant budgetary autonomy
or control;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) was established by, or pursuant to,
the laws of the State for the purpose of performing a
limited and specific governmental or proprietary
function primarily relating to forest or rangeland
management; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(C) is distinct from any other unit of
local government within the State.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Administrative review.--Section 603(c)
of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
U.S.C. 6591b(c)) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) in paragraph (1), by striking
``3000 acres'' and inserting ``10,000 acres'';
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) in paragraph (2)(B), by
striking ``Fire Regime Groups I, II, or III''
and inserting ``Fire Regime I, Fire Regime II,
Fire Regime III, or Fire Regime IV''.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) Wildfire resilience projects.--Section
605(c) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003
(16 U.S.C. 6591d(c)) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) in paragraph (1), by striking
``3000 acres'' and inserting ``10,000 acres'';
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) in paragraph (4), by striking
``code of Federal regulations (or successor
regulations)'' and inserting ``Code of Federal
regulations (or a successor
regulation)''.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) Greater sage-grouse and mule deer
habitat.--Section 606 of the Healthy Forests
Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591e) is amended--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) in subsection (a)(1)(A)--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) by striking clause
(ii);</DELETED>
<DELETED> (II) by redesignating
clauses (iii) through (vii) as clauses
(ii) through (vi), respectively;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (III) in clause (iii) (as
so redesignated), in the matter
preceding subclause (I), by striking
``in a sagebrush steppe
ecosystem'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) in subsection (c), by
striking ``concurrently for both greater sage-
grouse and'' and inserting ``for greater sage-
grouse or''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) in subsection (g)(1), by
striking ``4,500 acres'' and inserting ``7,500
acres''.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Infrastructure investment and jobs act
amendment.--Section 40806(d)(1) of the Infrastructure
Investment and Jobs Act (16 U.S.C. 6592b(d)(1)) is amended by
striking ``3,000 acres'' and inserting ``10,000
acres''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 107. SUNSET.</DELETED>
<DELETED> The authority under this subtitle terminates on the date
that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.</DELETED>
<DELETED>Subtitle B--Expanding Collaborative Tools to Reduce Wildfire
Risk and Improve Forest Health</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 111. MODIFICATION OF TREATMENT OF CERTAIN REVENUE AND
PAYMENTS UNDER GOOD NEIGHBOR AGREEMENTS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Good Neighbor Authority.--Section 8206 of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) in subsection (a)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking
``either the Secretary or a Governor or county'' and
inserting ``the Secretary, a Governor, an Indian tribe,
a special district, or a county'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) in paragraph (5), by striking
``Governor or'' and inserting ``Governor, an Indian
tribe, a special district, or a'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) in paragraph (6), by striking ``or
Indian tribe''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) by adding at the end the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(11) Special district.--The term `special
district' means a political subdivision of a State that--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) has significant budgetary autonomy
or control;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) was established by, or pursuant to,
the laws of the State for the purpose of performing a
limited and specific governmental or proprietary
function primarily relating to forest or rangeland
management; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(C) is distinct from any other unit of
local government within the State.''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) in subsection (b)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``or
county'' and inserting ``, an Indian tribe, a special
district, or a county'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) in paragraph (2)(C)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) in clause (i)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) in the matter
preceding subclause (I), by inserting
``special district,'' after ``Indian
Tribe,'' each place it
appears;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (II) in subclause (I)--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (aa) by striking
``on''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (bb) by striking
``; and'' and inserting a
semicolon;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (III) in subclause (II)--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (aa) in the matter
preceding item (aa), by
striking ``clause (i)'' and
inserting ``subclause (I)'';
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (bb) in item (bb),
by striking ``the Good Neighbor
Authority for Recreation Act.''
and inserting ``section 351 of
the EXPLORE Act (16 U.S.C.
8571);''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (IV) by adding at the end
the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(III) if there are funds
remaining after carrying out subclause
(II)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(aa) to carry
out authorized restoration
services under other good
neighbor agreements;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(bb) for the
administration of a good
neighbor authority program by a
Governor, Indian tribe, special
district, or county.'';
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) in clause (ii), by striking
``2028'' and inserting ``2030'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``or
county'' and inserting ``, an Indian tribe, a special
district, or a county''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) by striking paragraph (4).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Technical Amendment.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--Section 443 of division E of
Public Law 118-42 (138 Stat. 297) is amended, in the matter
preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``Agriculture Act of
2014'' and inserting ``Agricultural Act of 2014''.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by
paragraph (1) shall take effect on the date of enactment of
Public Law 118-42 (138 Stat. 25).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a)
shall apply to any project initiated pursuant to a good neighbor
agreement (as defined in section 8206(a) of the Agricultural Act of
2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a(a)))--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) before the date of enactment of this Act, if
the project was initiated after the date of enactment of the
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334; 132
Stat. 4490); or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) on or after the date of enactment of this
Act.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 112. FIXING STEWARDSHIP END RESULT CONTRACTING.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Section 604 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003
(16 U.S.C. 6591c) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) in subsection (b), by inserting ``, including
retaining and expanding existing forest products
infrastructure'' before the period at the end; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) in subsection (d)(3)(B), by striking ``10
years'' and inserting ``20 years''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) in subsection (h), by adding at the end the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(4) Special rule for long-term stewardship
contracts.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) Definition of long-term contract.--
In this paragraph, the term `long-term contract' means
an agreement or contract under subsection (b) that--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(i) has a term of longer than 5
years; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(ii) is entered into on or after
the date of enactment of this
paragraph.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) Special rule.--A long-term contract
entered into under subsection (b) by the Chief or the
Director with an entity shall provide that, in the case
of cancellation or termination of the long-term
contract by the Chief or the Director, the Chief or the
Director, as applicable, shall provide to the entity an
amount equal to 10 percent of the long-term contract
amount as cancellation or termination
costs.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 113. FIRESHED MANAGEMENT PROJECT STRIKE TEAMS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Establishment.--The Secretary concerned shall
establish intra-agency strike teams to assist the Secretary concerned
with--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) any reviews, including analysis under the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.), consultations under division A of subtitle III of title
54, United States Code (formerly known as the ``National
Historic Preservation Act''), and consultations under the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), with
the intent to accelerate and streamline interagency
consultation processes;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) the implementation of any necessary site
preparation work in advance of, or as part of, a fireshed
management project;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) the implementation of fireshed management
projects; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) any combination of purposes described in
paragraphs (1) through (3).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Members.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Secretary concerned may
appoint not more than 10 individuals to serve on an intra-
agency strike team under this section, to be composed of--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) employees of the department under the
jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) employees of a different Federal
department or agency, with the consent of the head of
that department or agency; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) private contractors or volunteers from
any nonprofit organization, State government, Indian
Tribe, local government, quasi-governmental agency,
academic institution, or private
organization.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Requirement.--In appointing individuals under
paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall appoint not fewer
than 1 employee of the Federal agency with jurisdiction over
the applicable Federal land.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Review Responsibility.--The Secretary concerned
shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) determine the sufficiency of the documents
prepared by an intra-agency strike team under this section;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) retain responsibility for any authorizing
decision relating to such a document.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Sunset.--The authority under this section terminates
on the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this
Act.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 114. LOCALLY LED RESTORATION.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Section 14(d) of the National Forest Management Act of
1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a(d)) is amended, in the first sentence, by striking
``$10,000'' and inserting ``$55,000''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 115. JOINT CHIEFS LANDSCAPE RESTORATION PARTNERSHIP
PROGRAM.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Section 40808 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs
Act (16 U.S.C. 6592d) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) in subsection (a)(2)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``or'' at the end;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the
period at the end and inserting a semicolon;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) by adding at the end the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(D) to recover from wildfire;
or</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(E) to enhance soil, water, and related
natural resources.'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) in subsection (d)(1)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting
``and post-wildfire impacts'' after ``wildfire risk'';
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) in subparagraph (F), by inserting ``,
as identified in the corresponding State forest action
plan or similar priority plan (such as a State wildlife
or water plan)'' before the semicolon;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) in subsection (g), by striking paragraph (2)
and inserting the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) Additional reports.--For each of fiscal
years 2022 and 2023, and not less frequently than once every 2
fiscal years thereafter, the Chiefs shall submit a report
describing projects for which funding is provided under the
Program, including the status and outcomes of those projects,
to--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) in the Senate--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(i) the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(ii) the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(iii) the Committee on
Appropriations; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) in the House of Representatives--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(i) the Committee on
Agriculture;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(ii) the Committee on Natural
Resources; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(iii) the Committee on
Appropriations.''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) in subsection (h)(1), by striking ``and 2023''
and inserting ``through 2031''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 116. COLLABORATIVE FOREST LANDSCAPE RESTORATION
PROGRAM.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Section 4003 of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of
2009 (16 U.S.C. 7303) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) in subsection (b)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) in paragraph (2)(B)(ii), by striking
``500 note'' and inserting ``7125''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) in paragraph (3)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A), by striking ``plans to--''
and inserting ``plans--'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) in each of subparagraphs (A)
through (H), by inserting ``to'' after the
subparagraph designation; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) in subparagraph (D), by
inserting ``or pathogens'' before the
semicolon;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) in subsection (c)(3)(A)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at
the end;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) in clause (ii), by adding ``and''
after the semicolon at the end; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) by adding at the end the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(iii) include a Federal
Government staffing plan for providing staff to
support collaborative processes established
under subsection (b)(2);'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) in subsection (d)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) in paragraph (2)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) in subparagraph (E), by
striking ``and'' at the end;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) in subparagraph (F), by
striking the period at the end and inserting a
semicolon; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) by adding at the end the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(G) proposals that seek to use
innovative implementation mechanisms, including good
neighbor agreements entered into under section 8206 of
the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C.
2113a);</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(H) proposals that seek to reduce the
risk of uncharacteristic wildfire or increase
ecological restoration activities--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(i) within areas across land
ownerships, including State, Tribal, and
private land; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(ii) within the wildland-urban
interface (as defined in section 101 of the
Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
U.S.C. 6511)); and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(I) proposals that seek to enhance
watershed health and drinking water sources.'';
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) in paragraph (3)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) by striking subparagraph (A)
and inserting the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) 4 proposals in any 1 region of the
National Forest System to be funded during any fiscal
year; and'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) by striking subparagraph (B);
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) by redesignating
subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (B);</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) in subsection (e)(3), by inserting ``conflict
resolution or collaborative governance,'' before ``and woody'';
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) in subsection (f)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) in paragraph (4)(B)(ii), by striking
``$4,000,000'' and inserting ``$8,000,000'';
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) in paragraph (6), by striking ``2023''
and inserting ``2031''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 117. UTILIZING GRAZING FOR WILDFIRE RISK
REDUCTION.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Strategy.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned, in
coordination with the holders of permits to graze livestock on
Federal land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned
and in consultation with other relevant stakeholders, shall
develop a strategy to utilize livestock grazing as a wildfire
risk reduction tool on Federal land, consistent with the laws
applicable to the Secretary concerned.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Inclusions.--The strategy under paragraph (1)
shall include--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the completion of any reviews required
under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) to allow permitted grazing on
vacant grazing allotments during instances of drought,
wildfire, or other natural disasters that disrupt
grazing on allotments already permitted;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the use of targeted grazing to reduce
hazardous fuels;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) an increased use of temporary permits
to promote targeted fuels reduction and reduction of
invasive annual grasses;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) an increased use of livestock
grazing--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) to eradicate invasive annual
grasses; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) as a post-fire restoration
and recovery strategy, as
appropriate;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) an integrated use of advanced
technologies to dynamically adjust livestock
placement;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (F) an increased use of any authorities
applicable to livestock grazing, including
modifications to grazing permits or leases to allow
variances;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (G) the utilization of grazing on Federal
land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned
in a manner that--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) avoids conflicts with other
uses of that Federal land; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) is consistent with any
applicable land management plan; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (H) the use of any other means determined
to be appropriate by the Secretary concerned.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Effect on Existing Grazing Programs.--Nothing in this
section affects--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) any livestock grazing program carried out by
the Secretary concerned as of the date of enactment of this
Act; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) any statutory authority for any program
described in paragraph (1).</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 118. WATER SOURCE PROTECTION PROGRAM.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Section 303 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003
(16 U.S.C. 6542) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) in subsection (a)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1)
through (7) as paragraphs (2) through (8),
respectively;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as
so redesignated) the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) Adjacent land.--The term `adjacent land'
means non-Federal land, including State, local, and private
land, that is adjacent to, and within the same watershed as,
National Forest System land on which a watershed protection and
restoration project is carried out under this section.'';
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) in paragraph (2) (as so
redesignated)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) by redesignating subparagraphs
(G) and (H) as subparagraphs (K) and (L),
respectively; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) by inserting after
subparagraph (F) the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(G) an acequia association;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(H) a local, regional, or other public
entity that manages stormwater or wastewater resources
or other related water infrastructure;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(I) a land-grant mercedes; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(J) a local, regional, or other private
entity that has water delivery authority;'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) in subsection (b)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) by inserting ``and adjacent land''
before the period at the end;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) by striking ``The Secretary'' and
inserting the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) In general.--The Secretary''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) by adding at the end the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) Requirements.--A watershed protection and
restoration project under the Program shall be designed--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) to protect and restore watershed
health, water supply and quality, a municipal or
agricultural water supply system, and water-related
infrastructure;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) to protect and restore forest health
from insect infestation and disease or wildfire;
or</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(C) to advance any combination of the
purposes described in subparagraphs (A) and
(B).</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(3) Priorities.--In selecting watershed
protection and restoration projects under the Program, the
Secretary shall give priority to projects that would--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) provide risk management benefits
associated with drought, wildfire, post-wildfire
conditions, extreme weather events, flooding,
resilience to climate change, and watershed and fire
resilience, including minimizing risks to watershed
health, water supply and quality, and water-related
infrastructure, including municipal and agricultural
water supply systems;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) support aquatic restoration and
conservation efforts that complement existing or
planned forest restoration or wildfire risk reduction
efforts;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(C) provide quantifiable benefits to
water supply or quality and include the use of nature-
based solutions, such as restoring wetland and riparian
ecosystems;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(D) include--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(i) partners with demonstrated
capacity to, and success in, designing and
implementing ecological restoration projects,
wildfire risk-reduction efforts, or post-
wildfire restoration projects; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(ii) in the case of communities
that have historically lacked access to
adequate resources, partners with a strong
likelihood of success in designing and
implementing a watershed protection and
restoration project; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(E) include--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(i) a contribution of funds or
in-kind support from non-Federal partners in an
amount greater than the amount required under
subsection (g)(2); or</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(ii) such other characteristics
as the Secretary determines to be
appropriate.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(4) Conditions for projects on adjacent land.--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) In general.--No project or activity
may be carried out under this section on adjacent land,
unless the owner of the adjacent land provides express
support for, and is a willing and engaged partner in,
carrying out that project or activity.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) Effect.--Nothing in this section
authorizes any change in--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(i) the ownership of adjacent
land on which a project or activity is carried
out under this section; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(ii) the management of adjacent
land on which a project or activity is carried
out under this section, except during the
carrying out of that project or
activity.'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) in subsection (c)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) in paragraph (1), by striking
``agreements with'' and all that follows through the
period at the end and inserting the following:
``agreements with end water users to protect and
restore the condition of National Forest watersheds and
adjacent land that provide water to--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) end water users; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) end water users to protect and
restore the condition of National Forest watersheds and
adjacent land that provide water for the benefit of
another end water user.'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) in paragraph (2)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) in subparagraph (C), by
striking ``or'' at the end;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) by redesignating subparagraph
(D) as subparagraph (E); and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) by inserting after
subparagraph (C) the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(D) in the case of an agreement with a
State, a county, or an Indian tribe for a project
carried out on National Forest System land, a good
neighbor agreement entered into under section 8206 of
the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a); or'';
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) by adding at the end the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(3) Cooperation with non-federal partners.--The
Secretary shall cooperate with non-Federal partners in carrying
out assessments, planning, project design, and project
implementation under this section.'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) in subsection (d)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) by striking paragraph (2) and
inserting the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) Requirements.--A water source management
plan shall be--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) designed to protect and restore
ecological integrity (as defined in section 219.19 of
title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on
the date of enactment of this subparagraph));</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) based on the best available
scientific information; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(C) conducted in a manner consistent
with the forest plan applicable to the National Forest
System land on which the watershed protection and
restoration project is carried out.''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) by adding at the end the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(4) Reducing redundancy.--An existing watershed
plan, such as a watershed protection and restoration action
plan developed under section 304(a)(3), or other applicable
watershed planning documents approved by the Secretary may be
used as the basis for a water source management plan under this
subsection.'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``purpose
of'' in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) and all that
follows through the period at the end and inserting ``purpose
of advancing any of the purposes described in subsection
(b)(2).''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) in subsection (g)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) in paragraph (2)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) by striking ``at least equal
to'' and inserting ``not less than 20 percent
of'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) by striking ``The Secretary''
and inserting the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph
(B), the Secretary''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) by adding at the end the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the
requirement under subparagraph (A) at the discretion of
the Secretary.'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) in paragraph (4)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) in subparagraph (B), by
striking ``fiscal years 2019 through 2023'' and
inserting ``fiscal years 2025 through
2031'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) by redesignating subparagraph
(C) as subparagraph (D); and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) by inserting after
subparagraph (B) the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(C) Set-aside for partner participation
in planning and capacity.--Of the amounts made
available under subparagraphs (A) and (B) to carry out
this section for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall
use not less than 10 percent for non-Federal partner
technical assistance participation and capacity-
building efforts in developing or implementing a water
source management plan under subsection (d).'';
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) by adding at the end the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(5) In-kind contributions.--The Secretary may
include the value of forest restoration and watershed
improvement work implemented on adjacent land in the project
area in determining in-kind contributions to a project from
non-Federal partners under paragraph (4)(A).''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 119. WATERSHED CONDITION FRAMEWORK TECHNICAL
CORRECTIONS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Section 304(a) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of
2003 (16 U.S.C. 6543(a)) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) in paragraph (3)(A), by inserting ``protection
and'' before ``restoration'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' at the
end;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(7) to ensure that management activities and
authorizations do not result in long-term degradation of
watershed health or lower the classification under paragraph
(1) of any watershed in a National Forest.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 120. TRIBAL FOREST PROTECTION MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES AND
PROJECTS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Section 8703 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018
(25 U.S.C. 3115b) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) in the section heading, by striking
``management demonstration project'' and inserting ``protection
management activities and projects'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection
(c);</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) in subsection (a)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) by striking
``demonstration'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) by striking ``federally
recognized'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) by striking ``programs of'' and
inserting ``activities and projects under'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) by striking ``5304 et seq.'' and
inserting ``5301 et seq.''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) by striking the subsection designation
and heading and all that follows through ``and the
Secretary'' and inserting the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian Tribe' means
an Indian Tribe included on the list published by the Secretary
of the Interior under section 104 of the Federally Recognized
Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 5131).</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) Tribal organization.--The term `Tribal
organization' has the meaning given the term in section 4 of
the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25
U.S.C. 5304).</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(b) Activities and Projects.--The Secretary and the
Secretary of the Interior'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated)--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1),
by striking ``subsection (a)'' and inserting
``subsection (b)''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``5304
et seq.'' and inserting ``5301 et seq.''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(d) Publication of Information.--The Secretary and the
Secretary of the Interior shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this subsection, make available, in an easily
accessible format and location, on the website of the
Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior,
respectively, a list of the types of activities and projects
that Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations may enter into
contracts to perform under subsection (b); and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) update the list under paragraph (1) as
necessary.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>Subtitle C--Litigation Reform</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 121. COMMONSENSE LITIGATION REFORM.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Agency document.--The term ``agency
document'', with respect to a fireshed management project,
means a record of decision, decision memorandum, environmental
document, or programmatic environmental document.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Covered agency action.--The term ``covered
agency action'' means--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the establishment of a fireshed
management project by an agency;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the application of a categorical
exclusion to a fireshed management project;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) the preparation of any agency document
for a fireshed management project; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) any other agency action as part of a
fireshed management project.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) NEPA terms.--The terms ``categorical
exclusion'', ``environmental document'', and ``programmatic
environmental document'' have the meanings given those terms in
section 111 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4336e).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Limitations on Judicial Review.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Limitations on injunctive relief.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) Temporary delay of covered agency
action.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in
the case of a claim arising under Federal law seeking
judicial review of a covered agency action, a court
shall not issue a preliminary injunction against such
covered agency action unless the court determines
that--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) subject to subparagraph (C),
such preliminary injunction is in the public
interest;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) the balance of equities
favors the plaintiff;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) the plaintiff is likely to
succeed on the merits; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iv) the plaintiff is likely to
suffer irreparable injury in the absence of
preliminary relief.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Permanent limit on agency action.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in the case
of a claim arising under Federal law seeking judicial
review of a covered agency action, a court shall not
issue a permanent injunction against such covered
agency action, or an order to otherwise permanently
limit such covered agency action, unless a court
determines that--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) subject to subparagraph (C),
such permanent injunction or order is in the
public interest;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) the balance of equities
favors the plaintiff;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) the plaintiff has suffered
or will suffer irreparable injury;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iv) no adequate remedy is
available at law.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) Public interest determination.--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) In general.--In determining
under subparagraphs (A) and (B) whether a
preliminary or permanent injunction against, or
other order with respect to, a covered agency
action is in the public interest, the
considerations of the court shall include--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) the purpose for which
an agency is undertaking the fireshed
management project relating to such
covered agency action;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (II) the likelihood that
the fireshed management project will
achieve the stated purpose of the
fireshed management project;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (III) the short- and long-
term effects of proceeding with the
covered agency action, as compared to
delaying or limiting such covered
agency action, including the potential
for significant increases in wildfire
risk or severity and significant
threats to the health of the
ecosystem.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) Weight of public interest
factor.--In determining whether to issue any
injunction or order under subparagraph (A) or
(B), a court shall give significant, but not
necessarily dispositive, weight to its
consideration of whether such order is in the
public interest.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Remand.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, in the case of a claim arising under
Federal law seeking judicial review of a covered agency
action, if the court remands the matter to the agency,
the court shall remand with instructions to carry out,
during the 180-day period beginning on the date of such
remand, such additional actions as may be necessary to
redress any cognizable harm giving rise to such
claim.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Vacatur.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) In general.--In remanding a
matter to an agency under subparagraph (A), the
court shall remand with vacatur only if--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) the seriousness of any
deficiencies in the covered agency
action weigh in favor of vacatur;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (II) the court determines
that any disruptive consequences of
vacatur, including the short- and long-
term effects of vacating the covered
agency action or any part of such
covered agency action, do not outweigh
the justification for
vacatur.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) Considerations.--In making
the determination described in clause (i)(II),
the court shall consider whether vacatur would
cause--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) any significant
increases in wildfire risk or severity,
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (II) any significant
threats to the health of the
ecosystem.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) Effect of remand on agency.--In the
case of a covered agency action subject to remand
without vacatur, or with partial vacatur, pursuant to
this paragraph, the agency may--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) continue to carry out such
covered agency action, or such parts of the
covered agency action as are not vacated, to
the extent that doing so does not interfere
with any additional actions required pursuant
to subparagraph (A); and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) use any format, as
appropriate, to correct an agency document
(including a supplemental environmental
document, memorandum, or errata sheet),
provided that such format is appropriate to the
nature of the deficiency.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Preservation of authority.--Nothing in this
section alters, limits, or displaces the authority of a court
to review a covered agency action under section 706(2) of title
5, United States Code.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Limitations on Claims.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, a claim arising under Federal law seeking judicial
review of a covered agency action shall be barred unless--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) with respect to an agency document or the
application of a categorical exclusion noticed in the Federal
Register, such claim is filed not later than 150 days after the
date of publication of a notice in the Federal Register of
agency intent to carry out the fireshed management project
relating to such covered agency document or application, unless
a shorter period is specified in such Federal law; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) in the case of an agency document or the
application of a categorical exclusion not described in
paragraph (1), if such agency document or application is
otherwise published or noticed, such claim is filed not later
than 150 days after the date that is the earlier of--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the date on which such agency document
or application is published; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the date on which such agency document
or application is noticed.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 122. CONSULTATION ON FOREST PLANS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Forest Service Plans.--Section 6(d)(2) of the Forest
and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C.
1604(d)(2)) is amended to read as follows:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) No additional consultation required under
certain circumstances.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the Secretary shall not be required to reinitiate
consultation under section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species
Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(2)) or section 402.16 of title
50, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), on
a land management plan approved, amended, or revised under this
section when--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) a new species is listed or critical
habitat is designated under the Endangered Species Act
of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); or</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) new information reveals effects of
the land management plan that may affect a species
listed or critical habitat designated under that Act in
a manner or to an extent not previously
considered.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Bureau of Land Management Plans.--Section 202 of the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712) is
amended by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(g) No Additional Consultation Required Under Certain
Circumstances.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
Secretary shall not be required to reinitiate consultation under
section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C.
1536(a)(2)) or section 402.16 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations
(or a successor regulation), on a land use plan approved, amended, or
revised under this section when--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) a new species is listed or critical habitat
is designated under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); or</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) new information reveals effects of the land
use plan that may affect a species listed or critical habitat
designated under that Act in a manner or to an extent not
previously considered.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>Subtitle D--Prescribed Fire</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 131. PRESCRIBED FIRE ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES, POLICIES, AND
PRACTICES.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Definition of Prescribed Fire.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--In this section, the term
``prescribed fire'' means a fire deliberately ignited to burn
wildland fuels in a natural or modified state--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) under specified environmental
conditions that are intended to allow the fire--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) to be confined to a
predetermined area; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) to produce the fireline
intensity and rate of spread required to attain
planned resource management objectives;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) in accordance with applicable law
(including regulations).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Exclusion.--In this section, the term
``prescribed fire'' does not include a fire that is ignited for
the primary purpose of pile burning.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Eligible Activities.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Secretary concerned may carry
out eligible activities described in paragraph (2) for
hazardous fuels management with respect to land under the
jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Description of activities.--The activities
referred to in paragraph (1) are--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) with respect to prescribed fires on
Federal land, or on non-Federal land if the Secretary
concerned determines that such activities would benefit
resources on Federal land--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) entering into procurement
contracts or cooperative agreements for
prescribed fire activities;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) issuing grants from an
existing grant program to a State, Tribal
government, local government, prescribed fire
council, prescribed burn association, or
nonprofit organization for the implementation
of prescribed fires, including--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) carrying out necessary
environmental reviews;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (II) carrying out any site
preparation necessary for implementing
prescribed fires; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (III) conducting any
required pre-ignition cultural and
environmental surveys; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) conducting outreach to the
public, Indian Tribes and beneficiaries, and
adjacent landowners;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) implementing prescribed fires on non-
Federal land, if the Secretary concerned determines
that the prescribed fire would benefit Federal land,
including--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) carrying out necessary
environmental reviews;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) carrying out any site
preparation necessary for implementing
prescribed fires; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) conducting any required pre-
ignition cultural and environmental
surveys;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) providing training for prescribed fire
and basic smoke management practices to Federal
employees and cooperators;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) conducting post-prescribed fire
activities, such as monitoring for hazard trees or
reignitions and invasive species management;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) providing technical or financial
assistance to a State, Tribal government, local
government, prescribed fire council, prescribed burn
association, or nonprofit organization for the purpose
of providing training for prescribed fire or basic
smoke management practices, consistent with any
standards developed by the National Wildfire
Coordinating Group or State-prescribed fire
standards.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Prioritization.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph
(B), the Secretary concerned shall coordinate with the
other Secretary concerned, State and local government
agencies, Indian Tribes, and applicable nongovernmental
organizations to establish prioritization criteria for
carrying out the activities described in paragraph
(2).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Requirement.--In establishing criteria
under subparagraph (A), the Secretary concerned shall
give priority to a project that is--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) implemented across a large
contiguous area;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) cross-boundary in
nature;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) located in an area that is--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) within or adjacent to
the wildland-urban interface and
identified as a priority area in a
statewide forest action plan, fireshed
assessment, or community wildfire
protection plan; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (II) identified as
important to the protection of a Tribal
trust resource or the reserved or
treaty rights of an Indian
Tribe;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iv) on land that is at high or
very high risk of experiencing a wildfire that
would be difficult to suppress;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (v) in an area that is designated
as critical habitat and in need of ecological
restoration or enhancement that can be achieved
with the aid of prescribed fire; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (vi) supportive of potential
operational delineations or strategic response
zones.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Policies and Practices.--The Secretary concerned, in
coordination with State, local, and Tribal governments, shall develop a
prescribed fire operational strategy for each region of the National
Forest System or the Department of the Interior, as applicable, that
describes--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) the fire deficit, by region; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) staffing and funding needs to address the fire
deficit described in paragraph (1).</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 132. HUMAN RESOURCES.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Competencies for Firefighters.--The Secretaries, in
coordination with the Fire Executive Council, shall task the National
Wildfire Coordinating Group with the duty to adjust training
requirements to obtain a certification to serve in a supervisory role
for a prescribed fire and any other positions determined to be
necessary by the Secretaries--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) in order to reduce the time required to obtain
such a certification; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) such that significant experience, gained
exclusively during a prescribed fire, is required to obtain
such a certification.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Enhancing Interoperability Between Federal and Non-
Federal Practitioners.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Qualification databases and dispatch
systems.--The Secretaries shall establish, to the extent
practicable, a collaborative process to create mechanisms for
non-Federal fire practitioners to be included in prescribed
fire and wildfire resource ordering and reimbursement
processes.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Partnership agreements.--The Secretaries may--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) develop partnership agreements for
prescribed fire with all relevant State, Federal,
Tribal, university, and nongovernmental entities that
choose to be included in resource ordering and
reimbursement processes under paragraph (1);</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) create agreements and structures
necessary to include non-Federal and other
nontraditional partners in direct work with Federal
agencies to address prescribed fires; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) treat any prescribed fire practitioner
meeting the National Wildfire Coordinating Group
standards as eligible to be included in statewide
participating agreements.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 133. LIABILITY OF PRESCRIBED FIRE MANAGERS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Training Course.--The Secretaries, in coordination
with the Attorney General of the United States, shall develop a
voluntary training course for employees involved in any activity
carried out on Federal land that is directly related to a prescribed
fire in the course of executing a Federal action.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Requirement.--The training course developed under
subsection (a) shall include a description of--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) liability protections afforded to the
employees described in that subsection when acting within the
scope of their employment;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) the limits on any liability protections under
paragraph (1); and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) any reimbursement available for qualified
employees for professional liability insurance under section
636 of division A of Public Law 104-208 (5 U.S.C. prec. 5941
note).</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 134. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Smoke Management Agencies.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Policy.--The Secretaries shall ensure that
policies, training, and programs of the Secretaries are
consistent with this subsection--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) to facilitate greater use of
prescribed fire in a safe and responsible manner, with
appropriate monitoring to prevent prescribed fires from
exceeding containment; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) to address public health and safety,
including impacts from smoke from wildfires and
prescribed fires.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Coordination among federal, tribal, and state
air quality agencies and federal, tribal, and state land
management agencies.--To facilitate the use of prescribed fire
on Federal, State, Tribal, and private land, the Executive
Director, in cooperation with the Environmental Protection
Agency, Federal and State land management agencies, shall
coordinate with State, Tribal, and local air quality agencies
that regulate smoke under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et
seq.)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) to the maximum extent practicable, to
provide State, Tribal, and local air quality agencies
with guidance, data, imagery, or modeling to support
the development of exceptional event demonstrations in
accordance with sections 50.14 and 51.930 of title 40,
Code of Federal Regulations (or successor
regulations);</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) to develop archives and automated
tools to provide State, Tribal, and local air quality
agencies with the data, imagery, and modeling under
subparagraph (A);</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) to provide technical assistance, best
practices, or templates to States, Indian Tribes, and
local governments for the use of the State, Indian
Tribe, or local government in approving the use of
prescribed fire under a State, Tribal, or local
government smoke management program;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D)(i) to promote basic smoke management
practices and other best practices to protect the
public from wildfire smoke;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) to disseminate information about
basic smoke management practices;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) to educate landowners that use
prescribed fire about the importance of--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) using basic smoke management
practices; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (II) including basic smoke
management practices as a component of a
prescribed fire plan; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iv) to share with the public information,
in coordination with other public health agencies,
about measures that individuals can take to protect
themselves from wildfire smoke; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) to develop guidance and tools to
streamline the demonstration of a clear causal
relationship between prescribed fire smoke and a
related exceedance of a national ambient air quality
standard.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Programs and research.--To address the public
health and safety risk of the expanded use of prescribed fire
under this subtitle, the Secretaries, in coordination with the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the
Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
shall conduct research to improve or develop--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) wildfire smoke prediction
models;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) smoke impact display tools for the
public and decisionmakers;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) appropriate, cost-effective, and
consistent strategies to mitigate the impacts of smoke
from prescribed fire on nearby communities;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) consistent nationally and
scientifically supported messages regarding personal
protection equipment for the public; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) prescribed fire activity tracking and
emission inventory systems for planning and post-
treatment accountability.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Development of Landscape-Scale Federal Prescribed Fire
Plans.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Inclusion of landscape-scale prescribed fire
plans.--The Secretary concerned, with respect to units of the
National Forest System and Bureau of Land Management districts
with existing prescribed fire programs--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act, shall determine which of
those units or districts have landscape-scale
prescribed fire plans;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) not later than 2 years after the date
of enactment of this Act, shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) determine whether each plan
described in subparagraph (A) requires
revision; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) establish a schedule for the
revision of each plan described in subparagraph
(A) that requires revision; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) may develop landscape-scale prescribed
fire plans for any units or districts that do not have
landscape-scale prescribed fire plans, as determined
appropriate by the Secretary concerned.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Environmental compliance.--In carrying out
paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) comply with--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.);</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) the Endangered Species Act of
1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) division A of subtitle III
of title 54, United States Code; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iv) any other applicable laws;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) consider the site-specific
environmental consequences of the landscape-scale
prescribed fire decisions under this
subsection.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Collaborative development.--In carrying out
paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall collaborate with
diverse actors from academia, the Forest Service and Bureau of
Land Management research and development offices,
nongovernmental organizations, cultural fire practitioners, and
other entities, as determined appropriate by the Secretary
concerned.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the
Secretary concerned shall submit to Congress a report
describing the progress of the Secretary concerned in carrying
out this subsection.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 135. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS AND CONTRACTS FOR PRESCRIBED
FIRE.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Agreements and Contracts.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Definition of eligible entity.--In this
subsection, the term ``eligible entity'' means a State, an
Indian Tribe, a unit of local government, a fire district, a
nongovernmental organization, and a private entity.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Authorization.--The Secretary and the
Secretary of the Interior may each enter into a cooperative
agreement or contract with an eligible entity, for a period of
not longer than 10 years, that authorizes the eligible entity--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) to coordinate, plan, or conduct a
prescribed fire on Federal land; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) to conduct a prescribed fire training
event.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Subcontracts.--A State, Indian Tribe, county,
or eligible entity that enters into a cooperative agreement or
contract under paragraph (1) may enter into a subcontract, in
accordance with applicable contracting procedures of the State,
Indian Tribe, county, or eligible entity--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) to conduct a prescribed fire on
Federal land; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) to conduct a prescribed fire training
event pursuant to that cooperative agreement or
contract.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Applicable law.--A prescribed fire conducted
pursuant to this subsection shall be carried out on a project-
by-project basis under existing authorities of the applicable
Federal agency responsible for the management of the applicable
Federal land.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) Preservation of decision authority.--An
eligible entity may not carry out a project under this
subsection pursuant to a cooperative agreement or contract
without the prior written approval of each Secretary that
entered into the cooperative agreement or contract.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 Amendments.--The
Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-278; 118 Stat.
868) is amended by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED>``SEC. 4. TRIBAL PRESCRIBED BURN DEMONSTRATION
PROJECT.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may enter into a contract
or agreement with an Indian Tribe under this Act that provides for
prescribed burns on Federal land pursuant to this section.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(b) Scope.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
a contract or agreement entered into under this section may--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) use a burn plan that, on approval by the
Secretary, allows multiple prescribed burns to be conducted in
accordance with the burn plan to eliminate the need for
individual burn plans for each prescribed burn and enable
forest managers to have the flexibility to conduct prescribed
burns when conditions allow; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) include terms that--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) authorize the Secretary to delegate
their authority to an Indian Tribe to plan, coordinate,
and execute prescribed burns on the behalf of the
Secretary within the scope of the burn plan including
applying the National Wildfire Coordinating Group
standards for prescribed fire planning and
implementation, to the extent authorized by Federal
law;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) any applicable Federal standard that
requires a certain number of personnel to be on-hand
during prescribed burns may be satisfied by regional
Federal, State, or Tribal resources and personnel;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(C) where appropriate, the Secretary
shall work with other Federal agencies and Tribal,
State, and local governments to coordinate and
communicate the shared objectives of the prescribed
burn and ensure activities comply with applicable law
and regulations.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Cooperative Funds and Deposits Act Amendments.--Public
Law 94-148 (commonly known as the ``Cooperative Funds and Deposits
Act'') is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) in the first sentence of the first section (16
U.S.C. 565a-1), by inserting ``prescribed fire and prescribed
fire training events,'' after ``including fire protection,'';
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) in section 2 (16 U.S.C. 565a-2), by inserting
``, section 4 of the Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004
(Public Law 108-278; 118 Stat. 868) or section 135(a) of the
Fix Our Forests Act'' after ``authorized by section
1''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 136. FACILITATING RESPONSIBLE USE OF PRESCRIBED
FIRE.</DELETED>
<DELETED> The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest
Service, shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) use all available resources to ensure
prescribed burns conducted by the Forest Service are
extinguished; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) update the prescribed burn policies of the
Forest Service to reflect the findings and recommendations
included in the report of the Forest Service entitled
``National Prescribed Fire Program Review'' and dated September
2022.</DELETED>
<DELETED>TITLE II--PROTECTING COMMUNITIES IN WILDLAND-URBAN
INTERFACE</DELETED>
<DELETED>Subtitle A--Community Wildfire Risk Reduction</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 201. COMMUNITY WILDFIRE RISK REDUCTION PROGRAM.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Establishment.--Not later than 30 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries shall jointly establish an
interagency program, to be known as the ``Community Wildfire Risk
Reduction Program'' (referred to in this section as the ``Program''),
which shall consist of at least 1 representative from each of the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) The Office of Wildland Fire of the Department
of the Interior.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) The National Park Service.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) The Bureau of Land Management.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) The United States Fish and Wildlife
Service.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) The Bureau of Indian Affairs.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) The Forest Service.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (7) The Federal Emergency Management
Agency.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (8) The United States Fire
Administration.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (9) The National Institute of Standards and
Technology.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (10) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Purpose.--The purpose of the Program is to support
interagency coordination in reducing the risk of, and the damages
resulting from, wildland fires in communities (including Tribal
communities) in the wildland-urban interface through--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) advancing research and science in wildland
fire resilience, land management, and risk reduction in the
built environment, including support for non-Federal research
partnerships;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) supporting the development of fire-resistant
building methods, codes, and standards for community wildland
fire risk reduction, including by promoting ignition-resistant
construction, defensible space, and other measures demonstrated
to effectively reduce wildland fire risks, as informed by the
best available science;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) supporting adoption by Indian Tribes and local
governmental entities of fire-resistant building methods,
codes, and standards;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) supporting efforts by Indian Tribes and local
governmental entities to address the effects of wildland fire
on those communities, including property damages, air quality,
and water quality;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) encouraging public-private partnerships to
conduct hazardous fuels management activities in the wildland-
urban interface, including creating or improving defensible
space around structures;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) providing technical and financial assistance
targeted towards communities (including Tribal communities)
through streamlined and unified technical assistance and grant
management mechanisms, including the portal and uniform grant
application established under subsection (c)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) to encourage critical risk-reduction
measures on private property with high wildland fire
risk exposure in those communities; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) to mitigate costs for, and improve
capacity among, those communities;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (7) reducing risk in the built environment by
encouraging increased mitigation measures, such as the use of
ignition-resistant construction and retrofitting
materials;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (8) coordinating budgets among the agencies
described in subsection (a) to identify gaps and reduce
overlap;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (9) supporting the integration of wildland fire
risk reduction measure and technical assistance into existing
Federal programs, where practicable; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (10) advancing the development of early wildfire
detection and warning systems for rapid response and community
alerts.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Portal and Uniform Grant Application.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--As part of the Program, the
Secretaries and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency shall establish a portal through which a
person may submit a single, uniform application for any of the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) A community wildfire defense grant
under section 40803(f) of the Infrastructure Investment
and Jobs Act (16 U.S.C. 6592(f)).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) An emergency management performance
grant under section 662 of the Post-Katrina Emergency
Management Reform Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 762).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) A grant under section 33 of the
Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15
U.S.C. 2229).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) A grant under section 34 of the
Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15
U.S.C. 2229a).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) Financial or technical assistance or a
grant under section 203, 205, 404, 406, or 420 of the
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133, 5135, 5170c, 5172,
5187).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Simplification of application.--In
establishing the portal and application under paragraph (1),
the Secretaries and the Administrator shall seek to reduce the
complexity and length of the application process for the forms
of assistance described in paragraph (1).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Technical assistance.--The Secretaries shall
provide technical assistance to communities or persons seeking
to apply for financial assistance through the portal using the
application established under paragraph (1).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Duties.--In carrying out this section, the
representatives described in subsection (a) shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) meet not less frequently than once per
year;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) ensure coordination, as appropriate, with
other Federal agencies not identified in that subsection;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) seek to gather feedback, as appropriate, from
States, Indian Tribes, local governments, academic or research
institutions, private entities, and such other entities as the
Secretaries determine to be appropriate, to improve the
function and operation of the Program.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (e) Coordination.--The Secretaries shall seek to ensure
that States and Indian Tribes are invited and represented in meetings
and other activities under this section.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (f) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretaries shall jointly submit to the
relevant committees of Congress a report that--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) describes and itemizes the total amount of
funding relating to community wildfire risk reduction that was
obligated during the 2 preceding fiscal years by the agencies
described in subsection (a);</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) describes the activities carried out under the
Program since the date of enactment of this Act;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) describes any feedback incorporated from non-
Federal stakeholders to improve the function and operation of
the Program; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) includes an evaluation of the Program in
achieving the purposes described in subsection (b).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (g) Sunset.--The Program terminates on the date that is 7
years after the date of enactment of this Act.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 202. COMMUNITY WILDFIRE DEFENSE RESEARCH
PROGRAM.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) In General.--The Secretaries, acting jointly, shall
expand the Joint Fire Science Program to include a performance-driven
research and development program, to be known as the ``Community
Wildfire Defense Research Program'' (referred to in this section as the
``Program''), for the purpose of testing and advancing innovative
designs to establish or improve the wildfire resistance of structures
and communities.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Program Priorities.--In carrying out the Program, the
Secretaries shall evaluate opportunities to establish wildfire-
resistant structures and communities through--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) different affordable building materials,
including mass timber;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) home hardening, including policies to
incentivize and incorporate defensible space;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) subdivision design and other land-use planning
and design;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) landscape architecture; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) other wildfire-resistant designs, as
determined by the Secretary.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Community Wildfire Defense Innovation Prize.--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--In carrying out the Program, the
Secretaries shall carry out a competition through which a
person may submit to the Secretaries innovative designs for the
establishment or improvement of an ignition-resistant structure
or fire-adapted community.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Prize.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations made in advance for that purpose, the
Secretaries may award a prize under the competition described
in paragraph (1), based on criteria established by the
Secretaries and in accordance with paragraph (3).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Scale.--In awarding a prize under paragraph
(2), the Secretaries shall prioritize for an award designs with
the greatest potential to scale to existing
infrastructure.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Collaboration and Nonduplication.--In carrying out the
Program, the Secretaries shall ensure collaboration and nonduplication
of activities with the Building Technologies Office of the Department
of Energy.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (e) Sunset.--The Program terminates on the date that is 7
years after the date of enactment of this Act.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 203. COMMUNITY WILDFIRE DEFENSE ACCOUNTABILITY.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this
Act, and not less frequently than once every 2 years thereafter, the
Secretaries, acting through the United States Fire Administration,
shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress an assessment of
the Community Wildfire Risk Reduction Program established under section
201(a) that--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) assesses the management, coordination,
implementation, and effectiveness of program
activities;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) suggests improvements for improving the
coordination and engagement of the program with States, Indian
Tribes, units of local government, and at-risk
communities;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) assesses trends and developments in science
and engineering relating to wildfire risk reduction in the
built environment, land use planning, and vegetation management
that could be used to improve the effectiveness or efficiency
of the program;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) provides recommendations to improve the
ability of the program to provide financial or technical
assistance to States, Indian Tribes, units of local government,
and at-risk communities;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) identifies opportunities to modify existing
requirements for Federal assistance or programs that support
community wildfire risk reduction to improve the delivery,
effectiveness, or availability of those assistance or programs;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) includes policy and program recommendations to
improve that program, as determined by the United States Fire
Administration.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 204. COMMUNITY WILDFIRE DEFENSE GRANT PROGRAM
IMPROVEMENTS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Section 40803(f) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs
Act (16 U.S.C. 6592(f)) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) by striking paragraph (1)(B), and inserting
the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) to carry out projects including--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(i) landscape and hazardous
fuels reduction treatments;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(ii) the retrofit, modification,
or maintenance of a structure to improve
resistance to fire;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(iii) creating defensible space
around structures to improve resistance to
fire;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(iv) hardening infrastructure,
including evacuation routes, to improve
resistance to fire;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(v) any other project described
in a community wildfire protection plan that is
not more than 10 years old; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(vi) deployment of wildfire
technologies determined to be successful under
section 303 of the Fix Our Forests
Act.'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) in paragraph (2)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``or'' at the end;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the
period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) by adding at the end the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(D) located in a fireshed management
area (as defined in section 2 of the Fix Our Forests
Act).''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) in paragraph (3)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) in subparagraph (C)(i), by striking
``continental''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) by adding at the end the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(D) Limitation on administrative
expenses.--Not more than 7 percent of funds obligated
under this section may be used for administrative
expenses incurred by the Secretary of Agriculture or an
at-risk community.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 205. UPDATED DEFINITION OF AT-RISK COMMUNITY.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Section 101 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003
(16 U.S.C. 6511) is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) At-risk community.--The term `at-risk
community' means an area that is composed of--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) an interface community (as defined
in the notice entitled `Wildland Urban Interface
Communities Within the Vicinity of Federal Lands That
Are at High Risk From Wildfire' (66 Fed. Reg. 753
(January 4, 2001)) issued by the Secretary of
Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior in
accordance with title IV of the Department of the
Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001
(114 Stat. 1009));</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) a group of homes and other
structures with basic infrastructure and services (such
as utilities and collectively maintained transportation
routes) at risk from wildfire, as recognized in a
fireshed, State, Tribal, local, regional, territorial,
or national wildfire risk assessment; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(C) a group of homes and other
structures with basic infrastructure and services (such
as utilities and collectively maintained transportation
routes) located inside, or within 5 miles of, a
Wildfire Crisis Strategy landscape, as determined by
the Secretary of Agriculture.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>Subtitle B--Vegetation Management, Reforestation, and Local
Fire Suppression</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 211. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT, FACILITY INSPECTION, AND
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE RELATING TO ELECTRIC
TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITY RIGHTS-OF-
WAY.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Hazard Trees Within 150 Feet of Electric Power Line.--
Section 512(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of
1976 (43 U.S.C. 1772(a)(1)(B)) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
striking ``likely to--'' and inserting ``likely--'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) in clause (i), by inserting ``to'' after the
clause designation; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) in clause (ii), by striking ``come within 10''
and inserting ``to come within 150''.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Consultation With Private Landowners.--Section
512(c)(3)(E) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
U.S.C. 1772(c)(3)(E)) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the
end;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) in clause (ii), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(iii) consulting with a private
landowner with respect to any hazard trees
identified for removal from land owned by the
private landowner.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Review and Approval Process.--Section 512(c)(4)(A) of
the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.
1772(c)(4)(A)) is amended by striking clause (iv) and inserting the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(iv) ensures that--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(I) a plan submitted
without a modification under clause
(iii) shall be automatically approved
by the date that is 120 days after the
date of submission; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(II) for a plan
submitted with a modification under
clause (iii), if the plan is not
approved by the date that is 120 days
after the date of submission, the
Secretary concerned shall develop and
submit to the owner and operator a
letter describing--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(aa) a detailed
timeline (to conclude by the
date that is 165 days after the
date of submission of the plan)
for completing review of the
plan;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(bb) any
identified deficiencies in the
plan and specific opportunities
for the owner or operator to
address each deficiency;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(cc) any other
relevant information, as
determined by the Secretary
concerned.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Technical Corrections.--Section 512 of the Federal
Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1772) is amended--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) in the section heading, by striking
``managment'' and inserting ``management''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) in subsection (c)(4)(A)(ii), by striking
``and'' at the end.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (e) Vegetation Management Plan Review.--Not later than 180
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries shall
submit to the relevant committees of Congress a report describing, with
respect to vegetation management plans submitted under section 512 of
the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1772)--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) the extent to which those vegetation
management plans under are reviewed and approved within the
120-day period required under subsection (c)(4)(A)(iv) of that
section;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) for any vegetation management plan not
reviewed and approved by the applicable deadline described in
paragraph (1), the reason for any delay in review or approval;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) for any vegetation management plan submitted
for review and approval for which the Secretary concerned
requested a modification, the timeline for reviewing the
modification on resubmission.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 212. FIRE-SAFE ELECTRICAL CORRIDORS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Section 512 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act
of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1772) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) by redesignating subsections (j) and (k) as
subsections (k) and (l), respectively; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) by inserting after subsection (i) the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(j) Permits and Agreements With Owners and Operators of
Electric Transmission or Distribution Facilities.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) In general.--In any special use permit or
easement on National Forest System land or land under the
jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management provided to the
owner or operator of an electric transmission or distribution
facility, the Secretary concerned may provide permission to cut
and remove trees or other vegetation from within the vicinity
of the electric transmission or distribution facility without
requiring a separate timber sale, if that cutting and removal
is consistent with--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) the applicable plan;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) the applicable land and resource
management plan or land use plan; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(C) other applicable environmental laws
(including regulations).</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) Use of proceeds.--A special use permit or
easement that includes permission for cutting and removal
described in paragraph (1) shall include a requirement that, if
the owner or operator of the electric transmission or
distribution facility sells any portion of the material removed
under the permit or easement, the owner or operator shall
provide to the Secretary concerned any proceeds received from
the sale, less any transportation costs incurred in the
sale.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(3) Effect.--Nothing in paragraph (2) shall
require the sale of any material removed under a permit or
easement that includes permission for cutting and removal
described in paragraph (1).''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 213. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR HIGH-PRIORITY HAZARD
TREES.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) High-priority hazard tree.--The term ``high-
priority hazard tree'' means a standing tree that--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) presents a visible hazard to people or
Federal property due to conditions such as
deterioration of, or damage to, the root system, trunk,
stem, or limbs of the tree, or the direction or lean of
the tree, as determined by the Secretary;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) is determined by the Secretary to be
highly likely to fail and, on failure, would be highly
likely to cause injury to people or damage to Federal
property; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) is located--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) within 300 feet of a National
Forest System road with a maintenance level of
3, 4, or 5;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) along a National Forest
System trail; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) in a developed recreation
site on National Forest System land that is
operated and maintained by the
Secretary.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) High-priority hazard tree activity.--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) In general.--The term ``high-priority
hazard tree activity'' means a forest management
activity that mitigates the risks associated with high-
priority hazard trees, including pruning, felling, and
disposal of a high-priority hazard tree.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Exclusions.--The term ``high-priority
hazard tree activity'' does not include any activity--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) conducted in a wilderness area
or wilderness study area;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) for the construction of a
permanent road or permanent trail;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) conducted on Federal land on
which, by Act of Congress or Presidential
proclamation, the removal of vegetation is
restricted or prohibited;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iv) conducted in an area in which
activities described in subparagraph (A) would
be inconsistent with the applicable land and
resource management plan; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (v) conducted in an inventoried
roadless area.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Categorical Exclusion.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a
categorical exclusion (as defined in 111 of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336e)) for high-
priority hazard tree activities.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Administration.--In developing and
administering the categorical exclusion under paragraph (1),
the Secretary shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) comply with the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) apply the extraordinary circumstances
procedures under section 220.6 of title 36, Code of
Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), in
determining whether to use the categorical
exclusion.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Project size limitation.--A project carried
out using the categorical exclusion developed under paragraph
(1) may not exceed 6,000 acres.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 214. SEEDS OF SUCCESS STRATEGY.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries shall jointly develop and
implement a strategy, to be known as the ``Seeds of Success strategy'',
to enhance the domestic supply chain of seeds.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Elements.--The strategy developed under subsection (a)
shall include a plan for each of the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Facilitating sustained interagency
coordination in, and a comprehensive approach to, native plant
materials development and restoration.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Promoting the re-seeding of native or fire-
resistant vegetation post-wildfire, particularly in the
wildland-urban interface.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Creating and consolidating information
relating to native or fire-resistant vegetation and sharing
that information with Indian Tribes and State and local
governments.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Building regional programs and partnerships to
promote the development of materials made from plants native to
the United States and restore those plants to their respective,
native habitats within the United States, giving priority to
the building of those programs and partnerships in regions of
the Bureau of Land Management where the partnerships and
programs do not exist on the date of enactment of this
Act.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) Expanding workforce and infrastructure
capacity to locally collect, process, and store seed as
necessary to implement revegetation and reforestation projects
on priority land (as defined in section 215(b)(1)).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) Expanding the warehouse system of the Bureau
of Land Management, particularly the cold storage capacity of
the system.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (7) Shortening the timeline for the approval of
permits to collect seeds on public land managed by the Bureau
of Land Management.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (8) Coordinating with the other Federal agencies,
States, Indian Tribes, and private entities, as appropriate,
for the purpose of seed collection.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Report.--The Secretaries shall submit to the relevant
committees of Congress the strategy developed under subsection
(a).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Coordination.--In implementing the strategy developed
under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the
Director of the Bureau of Land Management, shall coordinate with the
heads of other applicable Federal agencies, including the Department of
Defense, for the purpose of collecting seeds from land under the
jurisdiction under those Federal agencies.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 215. PROGRAM TO SUPPORT PRIORITY REFORESTATION AND
RESTORATION PROJECTS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Reforestation Reports Submitted to Additional
Committees.--Section 70303 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs
Act (16 U.S.C. 1601 note; Public Law 117-58) is amended, in the matter
preceding paragraph (1), by striking inserting ``, the Committee on
Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, the Committee on Natural
Resources of the House of Representatives,'' after
``Senate''.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Interior Reforestation Program.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) Covered institution of higher
education.--The term ``covered institution of higher
education'' means a land-grant college or university,
including--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) an 1862 Institution (as
defined in section 2 of the Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act
of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601));</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) an 1890 Institution (as
defined in that section);</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) an institution that is
eligible to receive funding under Public Law
87-788 (commonly known as the ``McIntire-
Stennis Act of 1962''); and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iv) a 1994 Institution (as
defined in section 532 of the Equity in
Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7
U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103-
382)).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Natural regeneration; reforestation;
unplanned event.--The terms ``natural regeneration'',
``reforestation'', and ``unplanned event'' have the
meanings given those terms in section 3(e)(4)(A) of the
Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act
of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1601(e)(4)(A)).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) Priority land.--The term ``priority
land'' means historically forested land under the
jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned that, due to an
unplanned event--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) requires reforestation to meet
the objectives described in an applicable land
use plan; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) is unlikely to experience
natural regeneration.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Program establishment.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the
Interior shall establish a program to implement reforestation
projects on priority land identified under paragraph (4)(A), in
accordance with this section.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Support.--In carrying out the program
established under paragraph (2), the Secretary may enter into--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) cooperative agreements in accordance
with processes established by the Secretary;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) contracts, including contracts entered
into pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5301 et
seq.).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Annual identification of priority projects.--
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act,
and annually thereafter, the Secretary of the Interior shall--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) identify priority land within the
United States;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) establish a list of reforestation
projects on priority land for the upcoming year, which
may include activities to ensure adequate and
appropriate seed and seedling availability to further
the objectives of other priority projects;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) estimate the costs necessary to
implement the list established under subparagraph
(B).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) Consultation.--In carrying out the program
under this subsection, the Secretary shall consult or
coordinate with, as appropriate--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) applicable State and local
governments;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) applicable Indian Tribes;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) covered institutions of higher
education;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) Federal agencies that administer
Federal land that adjoins, or is adjacent to, land that
is the subject of a project identified under paragraph
(4)(B); and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) other stakeholders, at the discretion
of the Secretary.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) Annual report.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for
each of the following 6 years, the Secretary of the Interior
shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress, the
Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report that
includes the following, with respect to the period covered by
the report:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) An accounting of all priority
land.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) A list of projects identified under
paragraph (4)(B).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) An accounting of any progress made on
projects identified in any previous report under this
paragraph.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) An accounting of each contract and
cooperative agreement established under the program
under this subsection.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) The amounts necessary to be
appropriated, in addition to amounts available from
other sources, to implement reforestation projects on
all priority land by not later than 10 years after the
date of submission of the report.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (7) Nonduplication.--In carrying out this section,
the Secretary of the Interior shall collaborate with the
Secretary and the Secretary of Defense to ensure the
nonduplication of activities carried out under section
214.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 216. REFORESTATION, NURSERIES, AND GENETIC RESOURCES
SUPPORT.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Eligible recipient.--The term ``eligible
recipient'' means--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) a State forestry agency;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) an Indian Tribe; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) a private nursery that has experience,
as determined by the Secretary, in growing high-quality
native trees of appropriate genetic sources in bareroot
or container stocktypes specific for reforestation,
restoration, or conservation, including native plants
and seeds that are of cultural significance to Indian
Tribes.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Nursery.--The term ``nursery'' means a tree or
native plant nursery.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Seed orchard.--The term ``seed orchard'' means
a tree or native plant seed orchard.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) State.--The term ``State'' means--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) each of the several States;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the District of Columbia;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) any territory or possession of the
United States.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Partnerships, Collaboration, and Other Assistance in
Support of Nurseries and Seed Orchards.--The Secretary, acting through
the Chief of the Forest Service, shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) partner with Federal and State agencies,
Indian Tribes, institutions of higher education, and private
nurseries to provide training, technical assistance, and
research to nursery and tree establishment programs that
support natural regeneration, reforestation, agroforestry, and
afforestation;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) promote information-sharing to improve
technical knowledge and practices and understand demands,
climate change impacts, and other issues as necessary to
address all facets of the reforestation supply chain;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) provide technical and financial assistance to
international nursery and tree establishment programs through
the Forest Service International Programs, the Institute of
Pacific Islands Forestry, and the International Institute of
Tropical Forestry;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) collaborate with other relevant Federal
departments and agencies, including the Foreign Agricultural
Service, the United States Agency for International
Development, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service,
and international organizations, including the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, to provide
technical and financial assistance relating to nurseries and
reforestation;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) coordinate the efforts of the Department of
Agriculture--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) to address the challenges associated
with the reforestation supply chain; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) to leverage economic development
assistance for work with private nurseries;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) expand reforestation supply chains through
science and research, seed collection and storage, and nursery
infrastructure and operations.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Nursery and Seed Orchard Grants.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish or
expand an existing program to provide grants to eligible
recipients to support nurseries and seed orchards.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Eligible projects.--An eligible recipient that
receives a grant under paragraph (1) shall carry out a project
that comprises 1 or more of the following activities:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) The development, expansion,
enhancement, or improvement of nursery production
capacity or other infrastructure--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) to improve seed collection and
storage;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) to increase seedling
production, storage, and distribution;
or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) to enhance seedling survival
and properly manage tree genetic
resources.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) The establishment or expansion of a
nursery or seed orchard, including by acquiring
equipment for a nursery or seed orchard.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) The development or implementation of
quality control measures at nurseries or seed
orchards.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) The promotion of workforce development
within any facet of the reforestation
pipeline.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) Such other activities as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 217. FIRE DEPARTMENT REPAYMENT.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Establishment of Standard Operating Procedures.--Not
later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretaries shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) establish standard operating procedures
relating to payment timelines for fire suppression cost-share
agreements established under section 2 of the Act of May 27,
1955 (42 U.S.C. 1856a) (commonly known as the ``Reciprocal Fire
Protection Act''); and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) with respect to each fire suppression cost-
share agreement in operation on that date--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) review the agreement; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) modify the agreement as necessary to
comply with the standard operating procedures
established under paragraph (1).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Alignment of Agreements.--The standard operating
procedures under subsection (a)(1) shall include a requirement that
each fire suppression cost-share agreement shall be aligned with each
cooperative fire protection agreement applicable to the entity subject
to the fire suppression cost-share agreement.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Payments.--With respect to payments made pursuant to a
fire suppression cost-share agreement, the standard operating
procedures under subsection (a)(1) shall require that the Federal
paying entity shall reimburse a local fire department or a State
wildland firefighter agency if that entity submits to the Federal
paying entity an invoice in accordance with applicable cost settlement
procedures.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
the Secretaries should carry out reciprocal fire suppression cost-share
agreement repayments to local fire suppression organizations and State
wildland firefighting agencies as soon as practicable, but not later
than 1 year, after the date on which the applicable fire suppression
occurs.</DELETED>
<DELETED>TITLE III--TRANSPARENCY, TECHNOLOGY, AND
PARTNERSHIPS</DELETED>
<DELETED>Subtitle A--Transparency and Technology</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 301. BIOCHAR INNOVATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR
CONSERVATION, HEALTH, AND ADVANCEMENTS IN
RESEARCH.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Biochar.--The term ``biochar'' means
carbonized biomass produced by converting feedstock through
reductive thermal processing for a nonfuel use.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity''
means--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) a unit of State, Tribal, or local
government;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) a special district;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) an eligible institution;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) a public, private, or cooperative
entity or organization;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) a National Laboratory (as defined in
section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C.
15801)); and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (F) a partnership or consortium of 2 or
more entities described in subparagraphs (A) through
(E).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Eligible institution.--The term ``eligible
institution'' means a land-grant college or university,
including--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) an 1862 Institution (as defined in
section 2 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C.
7601));</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) an 1890 Institution (as defined in
that section);</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) an institution that is eligible to
receive funding under Public Law 87-788 (commonly known
as the ``McIntire-Stennis Act of 1962''); and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) a 1994 Institution (as defined in
section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant
Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103-
382)).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Feedstock.--The term ``feedstock'' means
excess biomass in the form of plant matter or materials that
serves as the raw material for the production of
biochar.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) Secretaries.--The term ``Secretaries'' means--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the Secretary, acting through the
Chief of the Forest Service;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the Secretary of the Interior, acting
through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) the Secretary of Energy, acting
through the Director of the Office of
Science.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Demonstration Projects.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Establishment.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) In general.--Subject to the
availability of appropriations made in advance for that
purpose, not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretaries shall establish
a program under which the Secretaries shall enter into
partnerships with eligible entities to carry out
demonstration projects to support the development and
commercialization of biochar in accordance with this
subsection.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Location.--In carrying out the program
established under subparagraph (A), the Secretaries
shall, to the maximum extent practicable, enter into
partnerships with eligible entities in a manner that
ensures that--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) at least 1 demonstration
project is carried out in each region of the
Forest Service; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) at least 1 demonstration
project is carried out in each region of the
Bureau of Land Management.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Proposals.--To be eligible to enter into a
partnership under paragraph (1)(A), an eligible entity shall
submit to the Secretaries a proposal at such time, in such
manner, and containing such information as the Secretaries may
require.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Priority.--In selecting proposals under
paragraph (2), the Secretaries shall give priority to entering
into partnerships with eligible entities that submit proposals
to carry out biochar demonstration projects that--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) have the most potential to improve
forest health and resiliency;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) have the most potential to create new
jobs and contribute to local economies, particularly in
rural areas;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) have the most potential to
demonstrate--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) new and innovative uses of
biochar;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) market viability for cost-
effective biochar-based products;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) the restorative benefits of
biochar with respect to forest health and
resiliency, including forest soils and
watersheds; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iv) any combination of the
purposes described in clauses (i) through
(iii);</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) are located in areas that have a high
need for biochar production, as determined by the
Secretaries, due to--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) nearby land identified as
having high, very high, or extreme risk of
wildfire;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) availability of sufficient
quantities of feedstocks; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) a high level of demand for
biochar or other commercial byproducts of
biochar; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) satisfy any combination of the
purposes described in subparagraphs (A) through
(D).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Use of funds.--In carrying out the program
established under paragraph (1)(A), the Secretaries may enter
into partnerships and provide funding to the partnerships to
carry out demonstration projects--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) to acquire and test various feedstocks
and the efficacy of those feedstocks;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) to develop and optimize commercially
and technologically viable biochar production units,
including mobile and permanent units;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) to demonstrate--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) the production of biochar from
forest residue; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) the use of biochar to restore
forest health and resiliency;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) to build, expand, or establish biochar
facilities;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) to conduct research relating to new
and innovative uses of biochar;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (F) to demonstrate cost-effective market
opportunities for biochar and biochar-based
products;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (G) to carry out any other activities the
Secretaries determine to be appropriate; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (H) to achieve any combination of the
purposes described in subparagraphs (A) through
(G).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) Feedstock requirements.--To the maximum extent
practicable, an eligible entity that carries out a biochar
demonstration project under this subsection shall derive not
less than 50 percent of the feedstock used under the project
from forest thinning and management activities, including mill
residues, conducted on National Forest System land or public
land.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) Review.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) In general.--The Secretaries shall
conduct regionally specific research, including
economic analyses and lifecycle assessments, relating
to any biochar produced from a demonstration project
carried out under the program established under
paragraph (1)(A), including--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) the effects of that biochar
on--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) forest health and
resiliency;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (II) carbon capture and
sequestration, including increasing
soil carbon in the short-term and long-
term;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (III) productivity,
reduced input costs, and water
retention in agricultural
practices;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (IV) the health of soil
and grasslands used for grazing
activities, including grazing
activities on National Forest System
land and public land; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (V) environmental
remediation activities, including
abandoned mine land
remediation;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) the effectiveness of biochar
as a coproduct of biofuels or in biochemicals;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) the effectiveness of other
potential uses of biochar to determine if any
such use is technologically and commercially
viable.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Coordination.--The Secretaries, to the
maximum extent practicable, shall provide data,
analyses, and other relevant information collected
under subparagraph (A) to recipients of grants under
subsection (c).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (7) Limitation on funding for establishing biochar
facilities.--The amount provided by the Secretaries under this
subsection to an eligible entity for establishing a biochar
facility may not exceed 35 percent of the total capital cost of
establishing that facility.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Biochar Research and Development Grant Program.--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Establishment.--The Secretary of the Interior,
in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall establish,
or expand an existing, applied biochar research and development
grant program to provide to eligible institutions grants, on a
competitive basis, to carry out the activities described in
paragraph (3).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a
grant under this subsection, an eligible institution shall
submit to the Secretary of the Interior a proposal at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the
Secretary of the Interior may require.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Use of funds.--An eligible institution that
receives a grant under this subsection shall use the grant
funds to conduct applied research relating to--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the effect of biochar on forest health
and resiliency, taking into account variations in
biochar, soil, climate, and other factors;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the effect of biochar on soil health
and water retention, taking into account variations in
biochar, soil, climate, and other factors;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) the long-term carbon sequestration
potential of biochar;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) best management practices with respect
to biochar and biochar-based products that maximize--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) carbon sequestration benefits;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) the commercial viability and
application of those products in forestry,
agriculture, environmental remediation, water
quality improvement, and any other similar
uses, as determined by the Secretary of the
Interior;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) the regional uses of biochar to
increase productivity and profitability, including--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) uses in agriculture and
environmental remediation; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) use as a coproduct in fuel
production;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (F) new and innovative uses for biochar
byproducts; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (G) opportunities to expand markets for
biochar and create related jobs, particularly in rural
areas.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Reports.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Report to congress.--Not later than 2 years
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries shall
submit to Congress a report that--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) includes policy and program
recommendations to improve the widespread use of
biochar;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) identifies any area of research needed
to advance biochar commercialization; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) identifies barriers to advancing
biochar commercialization, including permitting and
siting considerations.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Materials submitted in support of president's
budget.--Beginning with the second fiscal year that begins
after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually
thereafter until the date described in subsection (e), the
Secretaries shall include in the materials submitted to
Congress in support of the President's budget pursuant to
section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, a report
describing, for the fiscal year covered by the report, the
status of--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) each demonstration project carried out
under subsection (b); and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) each research and development grant
provided under subsection (c).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (e) Sunset.--The authority to carry out this section
terminates on the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of
this Act.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 302. ACCURATE HAZARDOUS FUELS REDUCTION
REPORTS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means
any land under the jurisdiction of--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the Secretary; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the Secretary of the
Interior.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Hazardous fuels reduction activity.--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) In general.--The term ``hazardous
fuels reduction activity'' means any vegetation
management activity to reduce the risk of wildfire,
including mechanical treatments, grazing, and
prescribed burning.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Exclusion.--The term ``hazardous fuels
reduction activity'' does not include the provision or
execution of a contract to carry out an activity
described in subparagraph (A).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Materials Submitted in Support of President's
Budget.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--Beginning with the first fiscal
year that begins after the date of enactment of this Act, and
annually thereafter, the Secretary concerned shall include in
the materials submitted to Congress in support of the
President's budget pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United
States Code, a report describing the number of acres of Federal
land on which the Secretary concerned carried out hazardous
fuels reduction activities during the preceding fiscal year, as
determined using--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the methodology of the Secretary
concerned in effect on the day before the date of
enactment of this Act; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the methodology described in paragraph
(2).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Requirements.--For purposes of a report
required under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) in determining the number of acres of
Federal land on which the Secretary concerned carried
out hazardous fuels reduction activities during the
period covered by the report--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) record acres of Federal land
on which hazardous fuels reduction activities
were completed during that period;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) record each acre described in
clause (i) once in the report, regardless of
whether multiple hazardous fuels reduction
activities were carried out on that acre during
the applicable period; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) with respect to the acres of Federal
land recorded in the report, include information
relating to--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) which acres are located in the
wildland-urban interface;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) the level of wildfire risk
(high, moderate, or low) of the acres on the
first and last day of the period covered by the
report;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) the types of hazardous fuels
reduction activities completed with respect to
the acres, including a description of whether
those hazardous fuels reduction activities were
conducted--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) in a wildfire managed
for resource benefits; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (II) through a planned
hazardous fuels reduction
project;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iv) the cost per-acre of the
hazardous fuels reduction activities carried
out during the period covered by the
report;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (v) the region or System unit in
which the acres are located; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (vi) the effectiveness of the
hazardous fuels reduction activities with
respect to reducing the risk of
wildfire.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Transparency.--The Secretary concerned shall
make each report submitted under paragraph (1) publicly
available on the website of the Department of Agriculture or
the Department of the Interior, as applicable.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Accurate Data Collection.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall
implement standardized procedures for tracking data relating to
hazardous fuels reduction activities carried out by the
Secretary concerned.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Elements.--The standardized procedures
required under paragraph (1) shall include--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) regular, standardized data reviews of
the accuracy and timely input of data used to track
hazardous fuels reduction activities;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) verification methods that validate
whether those data accurately correlate to the
hazardous fuels reduction activities carried out by the
Secretary concerned;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) an analysis of the short- and long-
term effectiveness of the hazardous fuels reduction
activities on reducing the risk of wildfire;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) for hazardous fuels reduction
activities that occur partially within the wildland-
urban interface, methods to distinguish which acres are
located within the wildland-urban interface and which
acres are located outside the wildland-urban
interface.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Report.--Not later than 14 days after
implementing the standardized procedures required under
paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall submit to Congress
a report that describes--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the standardized procedures;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) any programmatic or policy
recommendations to Congress to address limitations in
tracking data relating to hazardous fuels reduction
activities under this subsection.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) GAO Study.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States
shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) conduct a study regarding the implementation
of this section, including any limitations with respect to--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) reporting hazardous fuels reduction
activities under subsection (b); or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) tracking data relating to hazardous
fuels reduction activities under subsection (c);
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) submit to Congress a report that describes the
results of the study under paragraph (1).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (e) No Additional Funds Authorized.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--No additional funds are
authorized to carry out this section.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Subject to appropriations.--The activities
authorized by this section are subject to the availability of
appropriations made in advance for those purposes.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 303. PUBLIC-PRIVATE WILDFIRE TECHNOLOGY DEPLOYMENT AND
DEMONSTRATION PARTNERSHIP.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Covered agency.--The term ``covered agency''
means--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) each Federal land management agency
(as defined in section 802 of the Federal Lands
Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801));</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the Department of Defense;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) the Bureau of Indian
Affairs;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) the Federal Emergency Management
Agency;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (F) the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (G) the United States Fire
Administration;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (H) a State, Tribal, county, or municipal
fire department or district operating through the
United States Fire Administration or pursuant to an
agreement with a Federal agency; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) any other Federal agency involved in
wildfire response.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Covered entity.--The term ``covered entity''
means--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) a private entity;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) a nonprofit organization;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) an institution of higher education (as
defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Pilot program.--The term ``Pilot Program''
means the deployment and demonstration pilot program
established under subsection (b).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Secretaries.--The term ``Secretaries'' means
the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior, acting
jointly.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries, in coordination with the
heads of the covered agencies, shall establish a deployment and
demonstration pilot program for new and innovative wildfire prevention,
detection, communication, and mitigation technologies.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Functions.--In carrying out the Pilot Program, the
Secretaries shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) incorporate the Pilot Program into the
National Wildfire Coordinating Group;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) in consultation with the heads of the covered
agencies, identify and advance the demonstration and deployment
of key technology priority areas with respect to the deployment
of wildfire prevention, detection, communication, and
mitigation technologies, including--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) hazardous fuels reduction activities
or treatments;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) dispatch communications;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) remote sensing, detection, and
tracking;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) safety equipment;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) common operating pictures or
operational dashboards; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (F) interoperable commercial data;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) connect each covered entity selected to
participate in the Pilot Program with the appropriate covered
agency to coordinate real-time and on-the-ground testing of
technology during wildfire mitigation activities and
training.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Applications.--To be eligible to participate in the
Pilot Program, a covered entity shall submit to the Secretaries an
application at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Secretaries may require, including a proposal to
demonstrate technologies specific to key technology priority areas
identified under subsection (c)(2).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (e) Prioritization of Emerging Technologies.--In selecting
covered entities to participate in the Pilot Program, the Secretaries
shall give priority to covered entities that--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) have participated in the Fire Weather Testbed
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) propose in the application under subsection
(d) to develop and apply emerging technologies for wildfire
mitigation, including artificial intelligence, quantum sensing,
computing and quantum-hybrid applications, satellite detection,
augmented reality, 5G private networks, and device-to-device
communications supporting nomadic mesh networks and
detection.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (f) Outreach.--The Secretaries, in coordination with the
heads of the covered agencies, shall make publicly available the key
technology priority areas identified under subsection (c)(2) and invite
covered entities to apply under subsection (d) to deploy and
demonstrate technologies to address those priority areas.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (g) Reports and Recommendations.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for
the duration of the Pilot Program, the Secretaries shall submit to the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives, and the relevant committees of Congress a report that
includes the following with respect to the Pilot Program:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) A list of participating covered
entities.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) A brief description of the technologies
deployed and demonstrated by each such covered
entity.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) An estimate of the cost of acquiring the each
such technology and applying the technology at scale.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Outreach efforts by covered agencies to
covered entities developing wildfire technologies.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) Assessments of, and recommendations relating
to, new technologies with potential adoption and application
at-scale in the wildfire prevention, detection, communication,
and mitigation efforts of Federal land management agencies (as
defined in section 802 of the Federal Lands Recreation
Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801)).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) A description of the relationship and
coordination between the Pilot Program and the activities of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including
the Fire Weather Testbed.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (h) Sunset.--The Pilot Program terminates on the date that
is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 304. GAO STUDY ON FOREST SERVICE POLICIES.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) conduct a study evaluating--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the effectiveness of Forest Service
wildland firefighting operations;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) transparency and accountability
measures in the budget and accounting process of the
Forest Service; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) the suitability and feasibility of
establishing a new Federal agency with responsibility
for responding to, and suppressing, wildfires on
Federal land; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) submit to Congress a report that describes the
results of the study under paragraph (1).</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 305. KEEPING FOREST PLANS CURRENT AND
MONITORED.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) In General.--The Secretary shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) to the maximum extent practicable and subject
to the availability of appropriations--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) ensure that each forest plan for a
unit of the National Forest System is in compliance
with the applicable requirements of section 6(f)(5)(A)
of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources
Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604(f)(5)(A));
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) prioritize revising any forest plan
not in compliance with that section;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) not be considered to be in violation of
section 6(f)(5)(A) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable
Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604(f)(5)(A)) solely
because more than 15 years have passed without revision of the
plan for a unit of the National Forest System;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, submit to the relevant committees of
Congress a notice describing the date on which each forest plan
referred to in paragraph (1)(A) was most recently revised,
amended, or modified;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) seek to publish a new, complete version of any
forest plan that the Secretary has been directed by court order
to amend, revise, or modify by not later than 60 days after the
date of the amendment, revision, or modification, subject to
the availability of appropriations made in advance for that
purpose; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) maintain a central, publicly accessible
website with links to--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the most recently available forest
plan adopted, amended, or modified by a court order as
a single document; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the most recently published forest
plan monitoring report for the unit.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Good Faith Updates.--If the Secretary fails to act
expeditiously and in good faith using available funding to revise,
amend, or modify a plan for a unit of the National Forest System as
required by an applicable law or court order--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) subsection (a) shall be void with respect to
the plan; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) a court of competent jurisdiction may order
completion of the plan on an accelerated basis.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the relevant
committees of Congress a report summarizing the implementation of this
section.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Sunset.--The authority under this section terminates
on September 30, 2031.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 306. CONTAINER AERIAL FIREFIGHTING SYSTEM.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Evaluation.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior,
in consultation with the National Interagency Aviation Committee and
the Interagency Airtanker Board, shall jointly conduct an evaluation of
the container aerial firefighting system to assess the use of that
system to mitigate and suppress wildfires.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior,
in consultation with the National Interagency Aviation Committee and
the Interagency Airtanker Board, shall jointly submit to the relevant
committees of Congress a report that describes the results of the
evaluation under subsection (a).</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 307. STUDY ON PINE BEETLE INFESTATION.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service,
shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) carry out a study relating to the causes and
effects of, and solutions for, the infestation of pine beetles
in the Northeastern region of the United States; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) submit to the relevant committees of Congress
a report that describes the results of the study under
paragraph (1).</DELETED>
<DELETED>Subtitle B--White Oak Resilience</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 311. WHITE OAK RESTORATION INITIATIVE
COALITION.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) In General.--There is established a coalition, to be
known as the ``White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition'' (referred
to in this section as the ``Coalition'')--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) as a voluntary collaborative group of Federal,
State, Tribal, and local governments and private and
nongovernmental organizations the purpose of which is to carry
out the duties described in subsection (b); and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) in accordance with the charter entitled
``White Oak Initiative Coalition Charter'' adopted by the White
Oak Initiative Board of Directors on March 21, 2023 (or a
successor charter).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Duties.--In addition to the duties specified in the
charter referred to in subsection (a)(2), the duties of the Coalition
are--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) to coordinate Federal, State, Tribal, local,
private, and nongovernmental activities for the restoration of
white oak trees in the United States; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) to make program and policy recommendations,
consistent with applicable forest management plans, with
respect to--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) changes necessary to address Federal
and State policies that impede activities to improve
the health, resiliency, and natural regeneration of
white oak trees;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) adopting or modifying Federal and
State policies to increase the pace and scale of white
oak regeneration and the resiliency of white oak
trees;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) options to enhance communication,
coordination, and collaboration among forest land
owners, particularly with respect to cross-boundary
projects, to improve the health, resiliency, and
natural regeneration of white oak trees;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) research gaps that should be addressed
to improve the best available science on white
oaks;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) outreach to forest landowners the land
of which possesses white oak trees or white oak
regeneration potential, as determined by the Coalition;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (F) options and policies necessary to
improve the quality and quantity of white oak trees in
tree nurseries.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Administrative, Staffing, and Technical Support.--The
Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior shall make available to the
Coalition such personnel for administrative support, technical
services, and the development and dissemination of educational
materials as those Secretaries determine to be necessary to carry out
this section.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Private Funding.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations made in advance for that purpose, the Secretary may make
funds available to the Coalition to carry out this section from the
account established pursuant to section 1241(f) of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(f)).</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 312. FOREST SERVICE PILOT PROGRAM.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Chief
of the Forest Service, shall establish and carry out 5 pilot projects
in units of the National Forest System to restore white oak trees in
those units through white oak restoration and natural regeneration
practices that are consistent with applicable forest management
plans.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Requirement.--Of the pilot projects carried out under
subsection (a), not fewer than 3 shall be carried out on units of the
National Forest System that are reserved or withdrawn from the public
domain.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Cooperative Agreements.--The Secretary may enter into
cooperative agreements to carry out the pilot projects under this
section.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Sunset.--The authority under this section terminates
on the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this
Act.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 313. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WHITE OAK REVIEW AND
RESTORATION.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Assessment.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Secretary of the Interior
shall carry out an assessment of land under the administrative
jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior, including fish
and wildlife refuges and abandoned mine land, to evaluate--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) whether white oak trees are present on
the land; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the potential to restore white oak
forests on the land.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Use of information.--In carrying out the
assessment under paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Interior
may use information from sources other than the Department of
the Interior, including the White Oak Initiative and the Forest
Service.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall
submit to Congress, and make publicly available on the website
of the Department of the Interior, a report describing the
results of the assessment carried out under this
subsection.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Pilot Projects.--After the date of submission of the
report under subsection (a)(3), the Secretary of the Interior shall
establish and carry out 5 pilot projects in different areas of land
described in subsection (a)(1) to restore and naturally regenerate
white oak trees.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Cooperative Agreements.--The Secretary of the Interior
may enter into cooperative agreements to carry out the pilot projects
under subsection (b).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Sunset.--The authority under this section terminates
on the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this
Act.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 314. WHITE OAK REGENERATION AND UPLAND OAK
HABITAT.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a nonregulatory
program, to be known as the ``White Oak and Upland Oak Habitat
Regeneration Program'' (referred to in this section as the
``Program'').</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Program shall include--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) coordinating restoration and conservation
activities among Federal, State, local, and Tribal entities and
conservation partners to address white oak restoration
priorities;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) improving and regenerating white oak and
upland oak forests and the wildlife habitat such forests
provide;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) carrying out coordinated restoration and
conservation activities that lead to the increased growth of
species of white oak in native white oak regions on Federal,
State, Tribal, and private land;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) facilitating strategic planning to maximize
the resilience of white oak systems and habitats under changing
climate conditions;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) engaging the public through outreach,
education, and citizen involvement to increase capacity and
support for coordinated restoration and conservation activities
for species of white oak; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) increasing scientific capacity to support the
planning, monitoring, and research activities necessary to
carry out such coordinated restoration and conservation
activities.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Consultation.--In establishing the Program, the
Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall
consult with--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) the heads of Federal agencies, including--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the Director of the United States Fish
and Wildlife Service; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the Chief of the Natural Resources
Conservation Service; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) the Governor of each State in which
restoration efforts will be carried out pursuant to the
Program.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Duties.--In carrying out the Program, the Secretary
shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) draw on the best available science and
management plans for species of white oak to identify,
prioritize, and implement restoration and conservation
activities that will improve the growth of white oak trees in
the United States;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) collaborate and coordinate with the White Oak
Restoration Initiative Coalition established by section 311(a)
to prioritize white oak restoration initiatives;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) adopt a white oak restoration strategy that--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) supports the implementation of a
shared set of science-based restoration and
conservation activities developed in accordance with
paragraph (1);</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) targets cost-effective projects with
measurable results; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) maximizes restoration outcomes with no
net gain of Federal full-time equivalent employees;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) establish voluntary grant and technical
assistance programs in accordance with subsection
(e).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (e) Grants and Assistance.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) Foundation.--The term ``Foundation''
means the National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Grant program.--The term ``grant
program'' means the voluntary grant and technical
assistance program established under paragraph
(2).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Establishment.--To the extent that funds are
available to carry out this section, the Secretary shall
establish a voluntary grant and technical assistance program to
achieve the purposes of the Program described in subsection
(b).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Administration.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) In general.--The Secretary shall offer
to enter into a cooperative agreement with the
Foundation to manage and administer the grant
program.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Funding.--Subject to the availability
of appropriations made in advance for that purpose, on
entering into a cooperative agreement with the
Foundation under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall
pay to the Foundation to carry out this subsection for
each fiscal year an advance payment of the entire
amount for the applicable fiscal year--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) on October 1 of that fiscal
year; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) as soon as practicable
thereafter.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Application of national fish and wildlife
foundation establishment act.--Amounts received by the
Foundation to carry out the grant program shall be subject to
the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act (16
U.S.C. 3701 et seq.), excluding section 10(a) of that Act (16
U.S.C. 3709(a)).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (f) Sunset.--The authority under this section terminates
on the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this
Act.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 315. TREE NURSERY SHORTAGES.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the
Forest Service, shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) develop and implement a national strategy to
increase the capacity of Federal, State, Tribal, and private
tree nurseries to address the nationwide shortage of tree
seedlings; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) coordinate the strategy under paragraph (1)
with--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the national reforestation strategy of
the Forest Service; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) each regional implementation plan for
National Forests.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Elements.--The strategy required under subsection (a)
shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) be based on the best available science and
data; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) identify and address--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) regional seedling shortages of
bareroot and container tree seedlings;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) regional reforestation opportunities
and the seedling supply necessary to fulfill those
opportunities;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) opportunities to enhance seedling
diversity and close gaps in seed inventories;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) barriers to expanding, enhancing, or
creating new infrastructure to increase nursery
capacity.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 316. WHITE OAK RESEARCH.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Definition of Eligible Institution.--In this section,
the term ``eligible institution'' means an institution of higher
education, including an 1862 Institution, an 1890 Institution, and a
1994 Institution (as those terms are defined in section 2 of the
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7
U.S.C. 7601)).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Research.--The Secretary may enter into a memorandum
of understanding with an Indian Tribe or an eligible institution to
collaboratively conduct research relating to--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) white oak genes with resistance or tolerance
to stress;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) white oak trees that exhibit vigor for the
purpose of increasing survival and growth;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) establishing a genetically diverse white oak
seed bank capable of responding to stressors;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) providing a sustainable supply of white oak
seedlings and genetic resources;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) improved methods for aligning seed sources
with the future climate at planting sites;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) reforestation of white oak trees through
natural and artificial regeneration;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (7) improved methods for retaining and increasing
white oak trees in forests;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (8) improved methods for reforesting abandoned
mine land sites; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (9) economic and social aspects of white oak
forest management across land ownerships.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Consultation.--In carrying out research under
subsection (b), an Indian Tribe or eligible institution may consult
with such States, nonprofit organizations, and other institutions of
higher education and scientific entities as the Indian Tribe or
eligible institution determines to be appropriate.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Sunset.--The authority under this section terminates
on the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this
Act.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 317. USDA FORMAL INITIATIVE.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Chief
of the Natural Resources Conservation Service and in coordination with
the Chief of the Forest Service, shall establish a formal initiative on
white oak trees--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) to reestablish white oak forests where
appropriate;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) to improve the management of existing white
oak forests to foster natural regeneration of white oak
trees;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) to provide technical assistance to private
landowners to reestablish, improve the management of, and
naturally regenerate white oak trees;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) to improve and expand white oak nursery stock;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) to adapt and improve white oak
seedlings.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Sunset.--The authority under this section terminates
on the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this
Act.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 318. USE OF AUTHORITIES.</DELETED>
<DELETED> To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary and the
Secretary of the Interior shall use the authorities provided under this
title in combination with other authorities to carry out projects,
including--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) good neighbor agreements entered into under
section 8206 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a)
(as amended by this Act); and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) stewardship contracting projects entered into
under section 604 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of
2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591c) (as amended by this Act).</DELETED>
<DELETED>TITLE IV--ENSURING CASUALTY ASSISTANCE FOR
FIREFIGHTERS</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 401. WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT CASUALTY ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Next-of-kin.--The term ``next-of-kin'', with
respect to an individual, means a person in the highest
category of priority in relation to that individual, as
determined in accordance with the following (in descending
order of priority):</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) A legal spouse of the
individual.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) A child (whether by current or prior
marriage) aged 18 years or older of the individual, in
descending order of precedence by age.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) The father or mother of the
individual, unless custody has been vested by court
order in another individual, with an adoptive parent
taking precedence over a natural parent.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) A sibling (whether whole or half) aged
18 years or older of the individual, in descending
order of precedence by age.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) A grandfather or grandmother of the
individual.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (F) Any other relative of the individual,
with the order of precedence to be determined in
accordance with the civil laws of descent of the State
of domicile of the individual at time of
death.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Program.--The term ``program'' means the
Wildland Fire Management Casualty Assistance Program
established under subsection (b).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall establish
a program, to be known as the ``Wildland Fire Management Casualty
Assistance Program'', to provide assistance to the next-of-kin of--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) firefighters who, while in the line of duty--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) are killed;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) are critically injured; or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) suffer illness as a result of an
exposure or incident occurring during that line of
duty; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) wildland fire support personnel who are killed
or critically injured in the line of duty.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Elements.--The program shall address each of the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) The initial, and any subsequent, notification
to the next-of-kin of firefighters or wildland fire support
personnel who--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) are killed in the line of duty;
or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) require hospitalization or treatment
at a medical facility due to a line-of-duty injury or
illness.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) The reimbursement of next-of-kin for expenses
associated with travel to visit firefighters or wildland fire
support personnel who--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) are killed in the line of duty;
or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) require hospitalization or treatment
at a medical facility due to a line-of-duty injury or
illness.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) The qualifications, assignment, training,
duties, supervision, and accountability for the performance of
casualty assistance responsibilities.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) The relief or transfer of casualty assistance
officers, including notification to survivors of critical
injury or illness in the line of duty of the reassignment of
those officers to other duties.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) Centralized short-term and long-term case
management procedures for casualty assistance, including rapid
access to expert case managers and counselors by--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) survivors of firefighters or wildland
fire support personnel; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) casualty assistance
officers.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) The provision, through a computer-accessible
website and other means and at no cost to survivors or next-of-
kin of firefighters or wildland fire support personnel, of
personalized, integrated information relating to Federal
benefits and Federal financial assistance available to those
survivors and next-of-kin.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (7) The provision to survivors and next-of-kin of
firefighters or wildland fire support personnel of information
relating to mechanisms for registering complaints about, or
requests for, additional assistance related to casualty
assistance.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (8) Liaison with the Department of Agriculture,
the Department of Justice, and the Social Security
Administration to ensure prompt and accurate resolution of
issues relating to benefits administered by those agencies for
survivors of firefighters or wildland fire support
personnel.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (9) Data collection, in consultation with the
United States Fire Administration and the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health, regarding the incidence and
quality of casualty assistance provided to survivors and next-
of-kin of firefighters or wildland fire support
personnel.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) No Effect on Other Line-of-Duty Death Benefits.--The
program shall not affect any existing authority for line-of-duty death
benefits for Federal firefighters or wildland fire support
personnel.</DELETED>
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Fix Our Forests
Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
TITLE I--LANDSCAPE-SCALE RESTORATION
Subtitle A--Addressing Emergency Wildfire Risks in High-priority
Firesheds
Sec. 101. Designation of fireshed management areas.
Sec. 102. Wildland Fire Intelligence Center.
Sec. 103. Fireshed Registry.
Sec. 104. Shared stewardship.
Sec. 105. Fireshed assessments.
Sec. 106. Emergency fireshed management.
Sec. 107. Study on the impacts of fireshed management projects on
wildfire risk to communities and wildlife
habitat.
Sec. 108. Sunset.
Subtitle B--Expanding Collaborative Tools to Reduce Wildfire Risk and
Improve Forest Health
Sec. 111. Modification of treatment of certain revenue and payments
under good neighbor agreements.
Sec. 112. Fixing stewardship end result contracting.
Sec. 113. Fireshed management project strike teams.
Sec. 114. Locally led restoration.
Sec. 115. Joint Chiefs Landscape Restoration Partnership Program.
Sec. 116. Collaborative forest landscape restoration program.
Sec. 117. Utilizing grazing for wildfire risk reduction.
Sec. 118. Water Source Protection Program.
Sec. 119. Watershed Condition Framework technical corrections.
Sec. 120. Tribal forest protection management activities and projects.
Sec. 121. Establishment of regional wildland fire research centers.
Sec. 122. Contracts, grants, and agreements to carry out certain
ecosystem restoration activities.
Sec. 123. Reforestation of land destroyed by Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon
Fire.
Sec. 124. Contract preference for local contractors for certain
hazardous fuel reduction projects.
Subtitle C--Litigation Reform
Sec. 131. Litigation reform.
Sec. 132. Consultation on forest plans.
Subtitle D--Prescribed Fire
Sec. 141. Prescribed fire eligible activities, policies, and practices.
Sec. 142. Human resources.
Sec. 143. Liability of prescribed fire managers.
Sec. 144. Environmental review.
Sec. 145. Cooperative agreements and contracts for prescribed fire.
Sec. 146. Facilitating responsible use of prescribed fire.
TITLE II--PROTECTING COMMUNITIES AT RISK
Subtitle A--Community Wildfire Risk Reduction
Sec. 201. Community Wildfire Risk Reduction Program.
Sec. 202. Community Wildfire Defense Research Program.
Sec. 203. Community wildfire defense grant program improvements.
Sec. 204. Updated definition of at-risk community.
Subtitle B--Vegetation Management, Reforestation, and Local Fire Risk
Mitigation
Sec. 211. Vegetation management, facility inspection, and operation and
maintenance relating to electric
transmission and distribution facility
rights-of-way.
Sec. 212. Fire-safe electrical corridors.
Sec. 213. Categorical exclusion for high-priority hazard trees.
Sec. 214. Seeds of Success strategy.
Sec. 215. Program to support priority reforestation and restoration
projects.
Sec. 216. Reforestation, nurseries, and genetic resources support.
Sec. 217. Fire department repayment.
TITLE III--TRANSPARENCY, TECHNOLOGY, AND PARTNERSHIPS
Subtitle A--Transparency and Technology
Sec. 301. Biochar innovations and opportunities for conservation,
health, and advancements in research.
Sec. 302. Accurate hazardous fuels reduction reports.
Sec. 303. Public-private wildfire technology deployment and
demonstration partnership.
Sec. 304. GAO study on Forest Service policies.
Sec. 305. Keeping forest plans current and monitored.
Sec. 306. Container Aerial Firefighting System.
Sec. 307. Study on pine beetle infestation.
Sec. 308. Study on wildfire smoke.
Subtitle B--White Oak Resilience
Sec. 311. White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition.
Sec. 312. Forest Service pilot program.
Sec. 313. Department of the Interior white oak review and restoration.
Sec. 314. White oak regeneration and upland oak habitat.
Sec. 315. Tree nursery shortages.
Sec. 316. White oak research.
Sec. 317. National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Sec. 318. USDA formal initiative.
Sec. 319. Use of authorities.
TITLE IV--ENSURING CASUALTY ASSISTANCE FOR FIREFIGHTERS
Sec. 401. Wildland Fire Management Casualty Assistance Program.
TITLE V--OTHER MATTERS
Sec. 501. Use of funds from cooperative funds agreements.
Sec. 502. Emergency forest watershed program.
Sec. 503. Improving the Emergency Conservation Program.
Sec. 504. Improving the Emergency Forest Restoration Program.
Sec. 505. Establishment of a unified disaster assistance intake process
and system.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) End water user.--The term ``end water user'' has the
meaning given the term in section 303(a) of the Healthy Forests
Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6542(a)).
(2) Executive director.--The term ``Executive Director''
means the Executive Director of the Wildland Fire Intelligence
Center appointed under section 102(g).
(3) Fireshed.--The term ``fireshed'' means a landscape-
scale area, as delineated using methods developed through
research conducted by the Forest Service, that represents
similar source levels of community exposure to wildfire.
(4) Fireshed management area.--The term ``fireshed
management area'' means a fireshed management area designated
under section 101(a).
(5) Fireshed management project.--The term ``fireshed
management project'' means any of the following forest or
vegetation management activities:
(A) A hazardous fuels management activity.
(B) Creating a fuel break or fire break.
(C) Removing hazard trees, dead trees, or dying
trees, as determined by a certified or licensed
arborist or forester under the supervision of the
Secretary concerned.
(D) Developing, approving, or conducting routine
maintenance under--
(i) a vegetation management, facility
inspection, and operation and maintenance plan
under subsection (c) of section 512 of the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976
(43 U.S.C. 1772); or
(ii) an agreement under subsection (d)(1)
of that section (43 U.S.C. 1772).
(E) Removing trees to address overstocking or
crowding in a forest stand, consistent with achieving
the appropriate basal area of the forest stand, as
determined by a responsible official.
(F) Using treatments to address insects or disease
or to control vegetation competition or invasive
species.
(G) A wet-meadow, floodplain, or riparian
restoration activity that increases wildfire
resistance.
(H) A forest stand improvement activity necessary
to protect life and property from catastrophic
wildfire, as determined by a responsible official.
(I) Any combination of activities described in this
paragraph.
(6) Fireshed registry.--The term ``Fireshed Registry''
means the registry established under section 103(a).
(7) Forest plan.--The term ``forest plan'' means--
(A) a land use plan prepared by the Bureau of Land
Management for public land pursuant to section 202 of
the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
U.S.C. 1712);
(B) a land management plan prepared by the Forest
Service for a unit of the National Forest System
pursuant to section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland
Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C.
1604); and
(C) a forest management plan (as defined in section
304 of the National Indian Forest Resources Management
Act (25 U.S.C. 3103)) with respect to Indian forest
land or rangeland.
(8) Governor.--The term ``Governor'' means the Governor or
other appropriate executive official of--
(A) a State; or
(B) an Indian Tribe.
(9) Hazardous fuels management activity.--The term
``hazardous fuels management activity'' means a vegetation
management activity, or any combination of such activities,
that reduces the risk of wildfire, including mechanical
thinning, mastication, prescribed burning, cultural burning (as
determined by an Indian Tribe), timber harvest, and grazing.
(10) HFRA terms.--The terms ``at-risk community'',
``community wildfire protection plan'', and ``wildland-urban
interface'' have the meanings given those terms in section 101
of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C.
6511).
(11) Indian forest land or rangeland.--The term ``Indian
forest land or rangeland'' means land that--
(A) is held in trust, or subject to a restriction
against alienation, by the United States for an Indian
Tribe or a member of an Indian Tribe; and
(B)(i) is Indian forest land (as defined in section
304 of the National Indian Forest Resources Management
Act (25 U.S.C. 3103)); or
(ii)(I) has a cover of grasses, brush, or any
similar vegetation; or
(II) formerly had a forest cover or vegetative
cover that is capable of restoration.
(12) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian Tribe'' has the
meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
(13) 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)).
(14) Public land.--The term ``public land'' means--
(A) public lands (as defined in section 103 of the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
U.S.C. 1702));
(B) the land reconveyed to the United States
pursuant to the first section of the Act of February
26, 1919 (40 Stat. 1179, chapter 47) (commonly known as
``Coos Bay Wagon Road Grant lands'') under the
jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior; and
(C) the land revested in the United States by the
Act of June 9, 1916 (39 Stat. 218, chapter 137)
(commonly known as ``Oregon and California Railroad
Grant lands'') under the jurisdiction of the Secretary
of the Interior.
(15) Relevant committees of congress.--The term ``relevant
committees of Congress'' means--
(A) in the Senate--
(i) the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry;
(ii) the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources;
(iii) the Committee on Indian Affairs; and
(iv) the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs; and
(B) in the House of Representatives--
(i) the Committee on Agriculture; and
(ii) the Committee on Natural Resources.
(16) Secretaries.--The term ``Secretaries'' means--
(A) the Secretary; and
(B) the Secretary of the Interior.
(17) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
(18) Secretary concerned.--The term ``Secretary concerned''
means--
(A) the Secretary, with respect to National Forest
System land; and
(B) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to
public land.
(19) Special district.--The term ``special district'' means
a political subdivision of a State that--
(A) has significant budgetary autonomy or control;
(B) was established by, or pursuant to, the laws of
the State for the purpose of performing a limited and
specific governmental or proprietary function primarily
relating to forest, watershed, or rangeland management
or water supply; and
(C) is distinct from any other unit of local
government within the State.
(20) State.--The term ``State'' means--
(A) each of the several States;
(B) the District of Columbia; and
(C) each territory of the United States.
TITLE I--LANDSCAPE-SCALE RESTORATION
Subtitle A--Addressing Emergency Wildfire Risks in High-priority
Firesheds
SEC. 101. DESIGNATION OF FIRESHED MANAGEMENT AREAS.
(a) Designations.--
(1) Initial fireshed designations.--For the 5-year period
beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the firesheds
of the United States shall comprise--
(A) the 7,688 firesheds described in the report
published by the Rocky Mountain Research Station of the
Forest Service in 2021; and
(B) the additional 1,262 firesheds in the States of
Alaska and Hawaii and the territories of the United
States designated by the Secretary in the same manner
as the firesheds designated in the report described in
subparagraph (A).
(2) Initial fireshed management area designations.--Subject
to paragraph (5), for the period beginning not later than 30
days after the date of enactment of this Act and ending on the
date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act,
each Secretary concerned shall designate and make publicly
available on the website of the Secretary concerned a map of
the following fireshed management areas:
(A) Each landscape-scale fireshed identified as a
``high-risk fireshed'' in the document published by the
Forest Service entitled ``Wildfire Crisis Strategy'',
dated January 2022, and expanded in 2023.
(B) The top 20 percent of firesheds in the
continental United States, and the top 25 percent of
firesheds in the continental United States if the
fireshed has a historical presence of Picea glauca var.
densata, identified by the Secretary for wildfire
exposure based on the following criteria:
(i) Wildfire exposure and corresponding
risk to communities, including risk to life,
critical infrastructure, and other structures.
(ii) Wildfire exposure and corresponding
risk to municipal watersheds, including Tribal
water supplies and systems.
(3) Initial designations in alaska, hawaii, and
territories.--Not later than 30 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall designate in the
States of Alaska and Hawaii and the territories of the United
States such additional fireshed management areas as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate, based on the criteria
described in clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (2)(B).
(4) Map-based updated designations.--
(A) Map of firesheds.--Not later than 5 years after
the date of enactment of this Act, and not less
frequently than once every 5 years thereafter, the
Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the
Interior, shall submit to the relevant committees of
Congress an updated map of the firesheds of the United
States, which shall--
(i) be based on the Fireshed Registry; and
(ii) include firesheds in the States of
Alaska and Hawaii and the territories of the
United States.
(B) Fireshed management areas.--Not later than 60
days after submitting an updated fireshed map under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall update the
designations of fireshed management areas to reflect
firesheds depicted on that map that the Secretary, in
consultation with the Secretary of the Interior,
identifies as being in the top 20 percent of firesheds
at risk of wildfire exposure based on the criteria
described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of section
103(a)(3) and in accordance with this section.
(C) Publication.--The Secretary shall make each
updated map prepared under this paragraph publicly
available on the Fireshed Registry.
(5) Land location and content.--A fireshed management area
designated under this subsection--
(A) shall not overlap with any other fireshed
management area; and
(B) may contain Federal and non-Federal land,
including Indian forest land or rangeland.
(6) Combining multiple firesheds.--The Secretary, in
consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, if applicable,
may expand a fireshed management area designated under this
subsection to include more than 1 fireshed that is designated
as a fireshed management area under the applicable criteria
described in this section.
(b) Use.--The Secretary concerned may carry out fireshed management
projects on the fireshed management areas designated under this
section.
(c) Applicability of NEPA.--The designation of a fireshed
management area under this section shall not be subject to the
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
SEC. 102. WILDLAND FIRE INTELLIGENCE CENTER.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Board.--The term ``Board'' means the Board of Directors
governing the Center appointed under subsection (f).
(2) Center.--The term ``Center'' means the Wildland Fire
Intelligence Center established under subsection (b).
(3) Federal science agency; institution of higher
education; land-grant colleges and universities; regional
center; wildland fire; wildland fire management agencies;
wildland fire research.--The terms ``Federal science agency'',
``institution of higher education'', ``land-grant colleges and
universities'', ``regional center'', ``wildland fire'',
``wildland fire management agencies'', and ``wildland fire
research'' have the meanings given those terms in section
121(a).
(4) National laboratory.--The term ``National Laboratory''
has the meaning given that term in section 2 of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
(b) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretaries shall establish a joint office,
to be known as the ``Wildland Fire Intelligence Center'', to serve
Federal and non-Federal entities through the functions described in
subsection (d).
(c) Headquarters.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Board shall select from within the United
States a permanent location for the physical headquarters of the
Center.
(d) Functions.--The functions of the Center shall include the
following:
(1) Providing real-time, science-based, and data-rich
scientific and technical analytical services, modeling,
monitoring, mapping, decision support, and predictive services
across all phases of fire to inform land and fuels management
(including prescribed fire), pre-fire community and built
environment risk reduction, active fire management and
emergency response, and post-fire recovery in the built and
natural environments.
(2) Providing, disseminating, procuring, if commercially
available, and combining existing data, mapping, technological,
and consultation services to support pre-, active, and post-
fire activities at the local, State, and national levels,
including--
(A) creating and maintaining a real-time nationwide
risk catalog, including the Fireshed Registry;
(B) assisting with the creation of evacuation
plans, public safety power shutoff plans, and wildfire
mitigation and response strategies or plans (including
built environment mitigation plans and community
wildfire protection plans) for at-risk communities;
(C) providing decision support and gridded and
point data forecast and assessment products in support
of operational and planning activities, including the
pre-positioning of wildfire suppression personnel and
assets based on real-time-risk;
(D) assisting with the safe and effective use of
prescribed fire; and
(E) developing a real-time data interface to assist
and inform, in real time, firefighters, first
responders, and approved contractors in responding to
wildfires.
(3) Consolidating air quality monitoring and forecasting
data, including utilizing existing Federal programs, as
appropriate, to help inform risks to public health and protect
the public from smoke impacts associated with wildfires,
including providing planning guidance for safe and effective
beneficial fire opportunities to prevent the risk of wildfires.
(4) Establishing information technology and data
interoperability through--
(A) the development of common data standards to
protect confidential information;
(B) comprehensive searchable data inventories;
(C) working with Tribal governments in nation-to-
nation partnerships, with protections for Tribal data
sovereignty;
(D) the integration and sharing of information and
resources of the Federal Government, States, local
governments, and participating Indian Tribes, as
determined by Tribal governments, to support the
essential functions of the Center; and
(E) regular updates and maintenance of research and
technology essential to achieving the core functions of
the Center, including the evaluation of new and
competing models as those models become available.
(5) Coordinating with the National Wildfire Coordinating
Group, as requested, to develop and improve wildfire
preparedness curricula and training modules for States, Indian
Tribes, and local officials, including emergency managers and
responders.
(6) Administering the pilot program established under
section 303 and streamlining procurement processes for
technologies identified under that pilot program and technology
systems related to addressing wildfire and smoke for purposes
of scaling such technologies and systems across Federal
agencies.
(7) Engaging with relevant Federal agencies, State
agencies, and entities in the private sector to improve fire
environment monitoring, forecasting, communication, and
response that may be essential to the core functions of the
Center, if the Executive Director determines that the
engagement is appropriate, beneficial, and cost-effective.
(8)(A) Establishing wildland fire science, data management
and sharing protocols, and technological research priorities in
cooperation with each regional center informed by the
operational needs of wildland fire management agencies.
(B) Coordinating data collection efforts supporting the
efforts of each regional center, including--
(i) building data layers across each region
described in section 121(c)(3)(B);
(ii) ensuring data collection and reporting across
each region described in section 121(c)(3)(B) is
consistent and standardized; and
(iii) providing updates on the development of
wildland fire research models.
(C) Ensuring the coordination of, and avoid unnecessary
duplication of, the activities of the regional centers and the
activities of institutions of higher education, land-grant
colleges and universities, Federal science agencies, and State
research organizations with respect to wildland fire research,
including--
(i) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration;
(ii) the National Science Foundation;
(iii) the National Laboratories;
(iv) the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration;
(v) the Environmental Protection Agency;
(vi) the United States Fire Administration;
(vii) the United States Geological Survey;
(viii) the research and development program of the
Forest Service;
(ix) the interagency Joint Fire Science Program;
(x) the Department of Defense Strategic
Environmental Research and Development Program; and
(xi) any other relevant entity with specialized
expertise in wildland fire research.
(D) Supporting end-to-end applications that assist wildland
fire management agencies in adopting technologies and
incorporating research findings produced by the regional
centers.
(e) Center Funding.--
(1) In general.--To carry out the functions of the Center,
the Secretaries may transfer funds provided to establish, and
carry out the duties of, the Center among--
(A) the Forest Service, from amounts made available
for Wildland Fire Management;
(B) the Department of the Interior, from amounts
made available for Wildland Fire Management; and
(C) the United States Geological Survey.
(2) Interagency financing.--Notwithstanding section 708 of
the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations
Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328; 136 Stat. 4706), or any other,
similar provision of law, interagency financing may be used to
fund the Center.
(3) Notice required.--Not later than 15 days before
transferring funds under paragraph (1) or (2), the Secretary or
the Secretary of the Interior, as applicable, shall submit to
the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee
on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a notice of
the proposed transfer.
(f) Board.--
(1) Membership.--The Center shall be governed by a Board of
Directors, to be composed of 18 members, as follows:
(A) 1 member who is a career employee of the
Department of Agriculture, to be appointed by the
Secretary.
(B) 1 member who is a career employee of the
research and development areas of the Forest Service,
to be appointed by the Chief of the Forest Service.
(C) 1 member who is a career employee in fire and
aviation management of the Forest Service, to be
appointed by the Chief of the Forest Service.
(D) 1 member who is a career employee of the
Department of the Interior, to be appointed by the
Secretary of the Interior.
(E) 1 member who is a career employee of the Bureau
of Land Management, to be appointed by the Director of
the Bureau of Land Management.
(F) 1 member who is a career employee of the Bureau
of Indian Affairs, to be appointed by the Assistant
Secretary for Indian Affairs.
(G) 1 member who is a career employee of the
National Park Service, to be appointed by the Director
of the National Park Service.
(H) 1 member who is a career employee of the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service, to be appointed by
the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service.
(I) 1 member who is a career employee of the United
States Geological Survey, to be appointed by the
Director of the United States Geological Survey.
(J) 1 member who is a career employee of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to be
appointed by the Administrator of the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration.
(K) 1 member who is a career employee of the
National Weather Service, to be appointed by the
Director of the National Weather Service.
(L) 1 member who is a career employee of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, to be appointed by
the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency.
(M) 1 member who is a career employee of the United
States Fire Administration, to be appointed by the
Administrator of the United States Fire Administration.
(N) 1 member who is a career employee of the
Department of Defense, to be appointed by the Secretary
of Defense.
(O) 1 member who is a career employee of the
National Science Foundation, to be appointed by the
Director of the National Science Foundation.
(P) 1 member who is a career employee of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, to be
appointed by the Administrator of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration.
(Q) 1 member who is an elected leader of a Tribal
government or an expert in wildfire management
designated by a Tribal government.
(R) 1 member representing State forestry agencies,
to be appointed by the Secretaries.
(2) Terms.--
(A) In general.--The term of a member of the Board
shall be 3 years, except that, of the members first
appointed--
(i) \1/3\ shall serve for a term of 4
years;
(ii) \1/3\ shall serve for a term of 3
years; and
(iii) \1/3\ shall serve for a term of 2
years.
(B) Additional terms.--After the initial term of a
member of the Board, including the members first
appointed, the member may serve not more than 3
additional 3-year terms, except that a member initially
appointed to a serve a term of 4 years may serve not
more than 2 additional 3-year terms.
(3) Chairperson.--The Chairperson of the Board--
(A) shall be selected by the members of the Board
from among the members appointed under subparagraphs
(B), (I), and (J) of paragraph (1);
(B) shall serve for a term of 1 year; and
(C) may be reselected as Chairperson not more than
twice.
(4) Majority vote.--A voting consensus by the Board shall
be not less than a \2/3\ majority vote of the members present.
(5) Nonvoting status.--At the discretion of the Board, the
Board may include nonvoting observers to the Board.
(g) Executive Director.--
(1) In general.--The Center shall have an Executive
Director, who shall--
(A) be appointed by, and serve at the direction of,
the Board; and
(B) be responsible for the management and operation
of the Center.
(2) Contracting authority.--The Executive Director may
enter into and perform contracts, agreements, memoranda of
understanding, or other, similar transactions, as the Executive
Director determines to be appropriate to carry out the
functions of the Center described in subsection (d).
(h) Detailees.--The Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior may
detail or assign to the Center such employees of the Department of
Agriculture and the Department of the Interior, respectively, as the
Secretaries determine to be necessary to carry out the duties of the
Center.
(i) Coordination With Other Agencies and Entities.--To carry out
the functions of the Center described in subsection (d), the Board
shall coordinate with agencies represented on the Board and other
relevant entities, including--
(1) the National Wildfire Coordinating Group; and
(2) any relevant Federal agency, State, Indian Tribe, local
government, or nongovernmental entity that is representative of
an element of the wildland fire community.
(j) Operational Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the
appointment of the Executive Director, the Executive Director
shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress an initial
operational plan describing--
(A) the structure of the Center;
(B) staffing and funding needs of the Center;
(C) technological capabilities within the
Department of Agriculture, the Department of the
Interior, and the other Federal departments and
agencies comprising the Board that are available to the
Center;
(D) an assessment of the potential of commercially
available technologies to perform the functions of the
Center, together with the costs and timelines of
procuring those technologies or developing relevant
capabilities;
(E) an assessment of--
(i) existing contracting authorities of the
Executive Director to be used for purposes of
subsection (g)(2); and
(ii) new contracting authorities needed;
and
(F) a timeline for full operational functioning of
the Center.
(2) Inclusions.--The plan under paragraph (1) shall include
estimated costs, key milestones, coordination strategies with
Federal, State, and private entities, and recommendations for
ensuring the effective operation of the Center.
(3) Updates.--The Executive Director shall update the plan
not less frequently than annually to reflect progress,
adjustments in funding, and the adoption of new technologies.
(k) Pilot Program to Monitor Wildfires by Satellite.--The
Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, in
partnership with the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the
Director of the United States Geological Survey, and with the Executive
Director, shall establish a pilot program--
(1) to purchase and integrate, through a public-private
partnership, data from the latest-generation of wildfire
monitoring satellites that provide monitoring of active fire
behavior, including fire perimeters, burned area, intensity,
severity, and the detection of fires with a low false-positive
rate;
(2) to use the data acquired under paragraph (1), and any
analyses relating to that data--
(A) to detect, assess, respond to, and manage
wildfires and rangeland fires; and
(B) to ensure the safety and effectiveness of
prescribed fire treatments;
(3) to develop information-sharing partnerships with State,
local, and Tribal emergency managers, foresters, or other
equivalent officials--
(A) to improve State, local, and Tribal wildfire
monitoring, response, and analysis; and
(B) to provide to the Executive Director an
operational plan for scaling the pilot program across
the United States; and
(4) under which the Secretary of the Interior shall have
the authority to enter into other transactions to leverage
satellite-based wildfire monitoring capabilities.
(l) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section affects the
ownership of any data source.
SEC. 103. FIRESHED REGISTRY.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretaries, acting through the Executive
Director, shall establish and maintain, on a publicly accessible
website, a registry, to be known as the ``Fireshed Registry'', that
provides interactive geospatial data relating to individual firesheds,
including information relating to--
(1) wildland fire exposure, delineated by--
(A) ownership, including rights-of-way for
utilities and other public or private purposes; and
(B) administrative or management responsibility;
(2) any hazardous fuels management activities that have
occurred within an individual fireshed during the preceding 10
years;
(3) wildland fire exposure with respect to a fireshed,
delineated by--
(A) wildfire exposure and corresponding risk to
communities, including risk to life, critical
infrastructure, and other structures;
(B) wildfire exposure and corresponding risk to
municipal watersheds, including Tribal water supplies
and systems; and
(C) risk of vegetation type conversion due to
wildfire;
(4) the percentage of a fireshed burned in wildfire during
the preceding 10 years, including, to the extent practicable,
delineations of acres that have burned at a high severity;
(5) spatial patterns of wildfire exposure, including
plausible extreme fire events; and
(6) any hazardous fuels management activities scheduled for
a fireshed, including fireshed management projects.
(b) Community Wildfire Protection Plans.--The Executive Director
shall make data from the Fireshed Registry available to local
communities developing or updating community wildfire protection plans.
(c) Maintenance.--As part of the website containing the Fireshed
Registry, the Executive Director shall--
(1) publish fireshed assessments conducted under section
105; and
(2) maintain a searchable database to track--
(A) the status of Federal environmental reviews,
permits, and authorizations for fireshed management
projects, including--
(i) a comprehensive permitting timetable;
(ii) the status of the compliance of each
lead agency, cooperating agency, and
participating agency with the permitting
timetable with respect to fireshed management
projects;
(iii) any required modifications of the
permitting timetable under clause (i),
including an explanation regarding why the
permitting timetable was modified; and
(iv) information regarding any public
meetings, public hearings, and public comment
periods relating to a fireshed management
project, as that information becomes available,
which shall be presented in--
(I) English; and
(II) the predominant language of
each community that is most affected by
the fireshed management project, as
that information becomes available;
(B) the projected cost of fireshed management
projects; and
(C) in the case of a completed fireshed management
project, the estimated effectiveness of the fireshed
management project in--
(i) reducing the wildfire exposure within
the applicable fireshed, including wildfire
exposure described in subparagraphs (A) through
(C) of subsection (a)(3); and
(ii) increasing the resilience of wildlife
habitats, including habitat for species listed
as threatened or endangered under the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531
et seq.).
(d) Incorporation of Existing Assessments and Data.--In carrying
out this section, the Executive Director shall incorporate any
assessments completed or data gathered through existing partnerships,
to the extent practicable.
(e) Applicability of NEPA.--The establishment and maintenance of
the Fireshed Registry under this section shall not be subject to the
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
SEC. 104. SHARED STEWARDSHIP.
(a) Joint Agreements.--The Secretary concerned shall seek to use an
existing shared stewardship agreement, modify an existing shared
stewardship agreement, or enter into a similar agreement with the
Governor of each State and Indian Tribe that contains a fireshed
management area designated under section 101(a)--
(1) to promote the reduction of wildfire exposure, based on
the criteria described in section 103(a)(3), in fireshed
management areas across jurisdictional boundaries; and
(2) to conduct fireshed assessments under section 105.
(b) Adjustment of Boundaries and Updates to Agreements.--With
respect to an agreement under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned,
on request of the applicable Governor, may--
(1) adjust the boundaries of any applicable fireshed
management area to include additional areas from within a
separate fireshed management area designated under section 101;
and
(2) update the agreement to address any new wildfire
threats.
(c) Cooperative Agreements.--The Secretaries may enter into
cooperative agreements with units of local government, special
districts, end water users, nongovernmental organizations, institutions
of higher education, Native Hawaiian organizations (as defined in
section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 7517)), and other entities, at the discretion of the applicable
Secretary to carry out the activities described in paragraphs (1) and
(2) of subsection (a).
SEC. 105. FIRESHED ASSESSMENTS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned, in cooperation with the
Governor with whom the Secretary concerned enters into an agreement
under section 104(a), if applicable, shall conduct a fireshed
assessment in accordance with this section with respect to each
fireshed management area designated in the applicable State or area of
Tribal land.
(b) Requirements.--
(1) In general.--Each fireshed assessment under subsection
(a) shall--
(A) identify--
(i) using the best available science,
wildfire exposure risks within the applicable
fireshed management area, including scenario
planning and wildfire hazard mapping and
models; and
(ii) each at-risk community within the
fireshed management area;
(B) identify the types of fireshed management
projects that could benefit the fireshed management
area, with an emphasis on reducing--
(i) wildfire exposure and corresponding
risk to communities, including risk to life,
critical infrastructure, and other structures;
(ii) wildfire exposure and corresponding
risk to municipal watersheds, including Tribal
water supplies and systems;
(iii) risk of vegetation type conversion
due to wildfire;
(iv) wildfire risk for wildlife habitats,
including habitat for species listed as
threatened or endangered under the Endangered
Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
(v) wildfire risk to resources of an Indian
Tribe, as defined by the Indian Tribe; or
(vi) any combination of purposes described
in clauses (i) through (v); and
(C) include, with respect to the applicable
fireshed management area--
(i) a strategy for reducing the threat of
wildfire--
(I) to protect at-risk communities
in the wildland-urban interface on
Federal and non-Federal land;
(II) to improve the effectiveness
of wildfire firefighting, particularly
the effectiveness of fuels treatments
that would improve wildfire firefighter
safety during wildfires; and
(III) to reduce risk to wildlife
habitats, including habitat for species
listed as threatened or endangered
under the Endangered Species Act of
1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
(ii) a timeline for the implementation of
fireshed management projects;
(iii) long-term benchmark goals for the
completion of fireshed management projects in
the highest wildfire exposure areas to ensure
that those fireshed management projects
contribute to the development and maintenance
of healthy and resilient landscapes;
(iv) a strategy to ensure that fireshed
management projects comply with applicable
forest plans and incorporate the best available
science; and
(v) a strategy for maximizing the retention
of late-successional forests, to the extent
that the trees promote stands that are
resilient to insects and disease, and reduce
the risk or extent of, or increase resilience
to, wildfires.
(2) Existing plans.--To the maximum extent practicable, a
fireshed assessment shall incorporate and build on information,
planning, and strategies contained in relevant forest plans,
State forest action plans, Tribal integrated resource
management plans or Tribal forest management plans, watershed
management plans, community wildfire protection plans, and
similar locally led landscape-scale planning documents.
(3) Participation.--
(A) State, tribal, and local governments.--In
addition to the parties to an applicable agreement
described in subsection (a), the Secretary concerned
shall coordinate with States, Indian Tribes, units of
local government, and other entities that are parties
to an agreement under section 104(c) within a fireshed
management area in conducting the fireshed assessment
under paragraph (1).
(B) Public.--In carrying out a fireshed assessment
under this section, the Secretary concerned shall
provide an opportunity for public participation during
the 45-day period beginning on the date of initiation
of the assessment, including--
(i) publication of information regarding
the development of the assessment--
(I) on a website maintained by the
Secretary concerned; and
(II) at convenient locations within
the applicable fireshed management
area; and
(ii) at least 1 public meeting.
(c) Updates and Availability.--Each fireshed assessment under
subsection (a) shall be--
(1) regularly updated based on the best available science,
subject to the requirements of subsection (d)(2); and
(2) made publicly available on 1 or more websites
maintained by the Secretary concerned, including the Fireshed
Registry.
(d) Information Improvement.--
(1) Agreements.--In carrying out a fireshed assessment
under this section, the Secretary concerned may enter into
agreements with other Federal departments and agencies
(including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration), States, Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian
organizations (as defined in section 6207 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517)), private
entities, or research or educational institutions to improve,
with respect to the assessment, the use and integration of--
(A) advanced remote sensing and geospatial
technologies;
(B) statistical modeling and analysis; or
(C) any other technology or combination of
technologies and analyses that the Secretary concerned
determines will benefit the quality of information in
the assessment.
(2) Best available science.--In using the best available
science for a fireshed assessment under this section, the
Secretary concerned and the applicable Governor shall
incorporate, to the maximum extent practicable--
(A) traditional ecological knowledge from Indian
Tribes, if requested by the relevant Indian Tribe;
(B) data from State forest action plans and State
wildfire risk assessments;
(C) data from the Fireshed Registry; and
(D) data from other Federal, State, Tribal, and
local governments or agencies.
(e) Applicability of NEPA.--A fireshed assessment under this
section shall not be subject to the requirements of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
SEC. 106. EMERGENCY FIRESHED MANAGEMENT.
(a) Fireshed Management Projects.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary concerned, acting through a
responsible official, shall carry out fireshed management
projects on land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary
concerned in fireshed management areas in accordance with this
section, the applicable forest plan, and the laws (including
regulations) applicable to the Secretary concerned.
(2) Applicability of other provisions.--
(A) In general.--The following shall have the force
and effect of law with respect to any fireshed
management project carried out in a fireshed management
area:
(i) Section 220.4(b) of title 36, Code of
Federal Regulations (as in effect on April 9,
2025), with respect to land under the
jurisdiction of the Secretary.
(ii) Section 46.150 of title 43, Code of
Federal Regulations (as in effect on April 9,
2025), with respect to land under the
jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior.
(iii) Section 402.05 of title 50, Code of
Federal Regulations (as in effect on April 9,
2025).
(iv) Section 800.12 of title 36, Code of
Federal Regulations (as in effect on April 9,
2025), except that any reference contained in
that regulation to an ``agency official'' shall
be considered to be a reference to a
responsible official.
(B) Determination of emergency.--
(i) In general.--A regulation referred to
in subparagraph (A) shall not apply pursuant to
that subparagraph with respect to a fireshed
management project unless, before carrying out
the fireshed management project, a responsible
official--
(I) determines, in accordance with
the regulation, that an emergency or
emergency circumstance exists;
(II) completes any documentation or
identification processes required under
such regulation; and
(III) provides public notice of the
determination of emergency and each
related fireshed management project
activity by publishing such
determination on a website maintained
by the Secretary concerned.
(ii) Requirement.--In carrying out a
fireshed management project under a regulation
referred to in subparagraph (A), a responsible
official shall ensure that such fireshed
management project is consistent with the
applicable forest plan and the laws (including
regulations) and policies applicable to the
Secretary concerned.
(C) Further clarification.--A regulation referred
to in subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any fireshed
management project unless such fireshed management
project will achieve a land management goal described
in section 604(c) of the Healthy Forests Restoration
Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591c(c)).
(D) Utilization of existing streamlined authorities
in fireshed management areas.--
(i) In general.--Not later than 2 years
after the date of enactment of this Act, with
respect to each fireshed management area that
contains Federal land, the Secretary concerned,
acting through a responsible official, shall
use not fewer than 1 of the following expedited
authorities for environmental review to carry
out fireshed management projects:
(I) Section 603(a) of the Healthy
Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
U.S.C. 6591b(a)).
(II) Section 605(a) of the Healthy
Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
U.S.C. 6591d(a)).
(III) Section 606(b) of the Healthy
Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
U.S.C. 6591e(b)).
(IV) Section 40806(b) of the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
(16 U.S.C. 6592b(b)).
(ii) Compliance with nepa.--In applying
expedited authorities for environmental review
to carry out fireshed management projects under
clause (i), the Secretary concerned shall
ensure--
(I) such project is carried out in
accordance with the statute
establishing the categorical exclusion
applied by the Secretary concerned;
(II) compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); and
(III) such project is carried out
in accordance with the applicable
forest plan and the laws and policies
applicable to the Secretary concerned.
(iii) Additional emergency actions.--The
Secretary may declare an emergency pursuant to
section 40807 of the Infrastructure Investment
and Jobs Act (16 U.S.C. 6592c) for any fireshed
management project.
(iv) Fiscal responsibility act
requirements.--In carrying out this section,
the Secretary concerned shall ensure compliance
with the amendments made to the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
4321 et seq.) by the Fiscal Responsibility Act
of 2023 (Public Law 118-5; 137 Stat. 38).
(v) Use of other authorities.--To the
maximum extent practicable, the Secretary
concerned shall use the authorities, if
applicable, provided under this section in
combination with other authorities to carry out
fireshed management projects, including--
(I) good neighbor agreements under
section 8206 of the Agricultural Act of
2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a) (as amended by
this Act);
(II) stewardship contracting
projects entered into under section 604
of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act
of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591c) (as amended
by this Act);
(III) self-determination contracts
and self-governance compact agreements
entered into under the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance
Act (25 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.); and
(IV) agreements and contracts
entered into under the Tribal Forest
Protection Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-
278; 118 Stat. 868).
(b) Expansion.--
(1) Healthy forests restoration act amendments.--
(A) Definitions.--Section 3 of the Healthy Forests
Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6502) is amended--
(i) in paragraph (2), by striking ``450b''
and inserting ``5304''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Local government.--The term `local government'
means--
``(A) a county;
``(B) a municipality; and
``(C) a special district.
``(4) Special district.--The term `special district' means
a political subdivision of a State that--
``(A) has significant budgetary autonomy or
control;
``(B) was established by, or pursuant to, the laws
of the State for the purpose of performing a limited
and specific governmental or proprietary function
primarily relating to forest, watershed, or rangeland
management or water supply; and
``(C) is distinct from any other unit of local
government within the State.''.
(B) Administrative review.--Section 603(c) of the
Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C.
6591b(c)) is amended--
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``3000
acres'' and inserting ``10,000 acres''; and
(ii) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking
``Fire Regime Groups I, II, or III'' and
inserting ``Fire Regime I, Fire Regime II, Fire
Regime III, or Fire Regime IV''.
(C) Wildfire resilience projects.--Section 605(c)
of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
U.S.C. 6591d(c)) is amended--
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``3000
acres'' and inserting ``10,000 acres''; and
(ii) in paragraph (4), by striking ``code
of Federal regulations (or successor
regulations)'' and inserting ``Code of Federal
regulations (or a successor regulation)''.
(D) Greater sage-grouse and mule deer habitat.--
Section 606 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of
2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591e) is amended--
(i) in subsection (c), by striking
``concurrently for both greater sage-grouse
and'' and inserting ``for greater sage-grouse
or''; and
(ii) in subsection (g)(1), by striking
``4,500 acres'' and inserting ``7,500 acres''.
(2) Infrastructure investment and jobs act amendment.--
Section 40806(d)(1) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs
Act (16 U.S.C. 6592b(d)(1)) is amended by striking ``3,000
acres'' and inserting ``10,000 acres''.
SEC. 107. STUDY ON THE IMPACTS OF FIRESHED MANAGEMENT PROJECTS ON
WILDFIRE RISK TO COMMUNITIES AND WILDLIFE HABITAT.
(a) Study Requirement.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the
Secretary of the Interior, shall enter into an agreement with the
National Academy of Sciences, under which the National Academy of
Sciences shall conduct 1 or more studies on the impacts of fireshed
management projects, including--
(1) an evaluation of select, regionally varied fireshed
management projects and approaches, including--
(A) methodologies used to assess fireshed
management areas;
(B) the reduction in fuel hazards in fireshed
management areas;
(C) the status of, and trends in, watershed
conditions;
(D) the economic use of fireshed management project
byproducts;
(E) local jobs and labor income supported by
fireshed management projects; and
(F) coordinated approaches taken to plan and
implement fireshed management projects;
(2) changes to wildfire risk within fireshed management
areas, and to resources of an Indian Tribe, due to fireshed
management projects;
(3)(A) a description of the cost of--
(i) the implementation of section 105; and
(ii) the development and implementation of fireshed
management projects; and
(B) an estimate of the amount of the damages avoided as a
result of that development and implementation;
(4) an evaluation of how fireshed management projects
affect--
(A) critical habitat areas designated under the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et
seq.); and
(B) the conservation and recovery of species listed
as threatened or endangered under the that Act;
(5) an identification of fireshed management project best
practices for minimizing harm to critical habitat areas
described in paragraph (4)(A) and the natural environment while
reducing wildfire risk; and
(6) recommendations for policy, regulatory, or operational
changes to improve fireshed management projects.
(b) Engagement.--In conducting the 1 or more studies under
subsection (a), the National Academy of Sciences shall--
(1) consult with relevant Federal, State, and Tribal
agencies, including the United States Fish and Wildlife Service
and the National Marine Fisheries Service; and
(2) provide an opportunity for public comment and input
during the 1 or more studies, including from nonprofit
organizations, institutions of higher education, and other
scientific bodies.
(c) Submission of Report.--As soon as practicable after the
conclusion of the 1 more studies under subsection (a), but not later
than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the National
Academy of Sciences shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress
and the Secretaries 1 or more reports containing the results of the 1
or more studies.
SEC. 108. SUNSET.
The authority under this subtitle terminates on the date that is 7
years after the date of enactment of this Act.
Subtitle B--Expanding Collaborative Tools to Reduce Wildfire Risk and
Improve Forest Health
SEC. 111. MODIFICATION OF TREATMENT OF CERTAIN REVENUE AND PAYMENTS
UNDER GOOD NEIGHBOR AGREEMENTS.
(a) Good Neighbor Authority.--Section 8206 of the Agricultural Act
of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``either the
Secretary or a Governor or county'' and inserting ``the
Secretary, a Governor, an Indian tribe, a special
district, or a county'';
(B) in paragraph (5), by striking ``Governor or''
and inserting ``Governor, an Indian tribe, a special
district, or a'';
(C) in paragraph (6), by striking ``or Indian
tribe''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(11) Special district.--The term `special district' means
a political subdivision of a State that--
``(A) has significant budgetary autonomy or
control;
``(B) was established by, or pursuant to, the laws
of the State for the purpose of performing a limited
and specific governmental or proprietary function
primarily relating to forest, watershed, or rangeland
management or water supply; and
``(C) is distinct from any other unit of local
government within the State.''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``or county''
and inserting ``, an Indian tribe, a special district,
or a county'';
(B) in paragraph (2)(C)--
(i) in clause (i)--
(I) in the matter preceding
subclause (I), by inserting ``special
district,'' after ``Indian Tribe,''
each place it appears;
(II) in subclause (I)--
(aa) by striking ``on'';
and
(bb) by striking ``; and''
and inserting a semicolon;
(III) in subclause (II)--
(aa) in the matter
preceding item (aa), by
striking ``clause (i)'' and
inserting ``subclause (I)'';
and
(bb) in item (bb), by
striking ``the Good Neighbor
Authority for Recreation Act.''
and inserting ``section 351 of
the EXPLORE Act (16 U.S.C.
8571);''; and
(IV) by adding at the end the
following:
``(III) if there are funds
remaining after carrying out subclause
(II)--
``(aa) to carry out
authorized restoration services
under other good neighbor
agreements; and
``(bb) for the
administration of a good
neighbor authority program by a
Governor, Indian tribe, special
district, or county.''; and
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``2028''
and inserting ``2030'';
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``or county'' and
inserting ``, an Indian tribe, a special district, or a
county''; and
(D) by striking paragraph (4).
(b) Technical Amendment.--
(1) In general.--Section 443 of division E of Public Law
118-42 (138 Stat. 297) is amended, in the matter preceding
paragraph (1), by striking ``Agriculture Act of 2014'' and
inserting ``Agricultural Act of 2014''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1)
shall take effect on the date of enactment of Public Law 118-42
(138 Stat. 25).
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply to any project initiated pursuant to a good neighbor agreement
(as defined in section 8206(a) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16
U.S.C. 2113a(a)))--
(1) before the date of enactment of this Act, if the
project was initiated after the date of enactment of the
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334; 132
Stat. 4490); or
(2) on or after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 112. FIXING STEWARDSHIP END RESULT CONTRACTING.
Section 604 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
U.S.C. 6591c) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by inserting ``, including retaining
and expanding existing forest products infrastructure necessary
to carry out an agreement or contract under this subsection''
before the period at the end; and
(2) in subsection (d)(3)(B), by striking ``10 years'' and
inserting ``20 years''; and
(3) in subsection (h), by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Special rule for long-term stewardship contracts.--
``(A) Definition of multiyear contract.--In this
paragraph, the term `multiyear contract' means a
contract entered into under subsection (b) that--
``(i) has a term of longer than 5 years;
and
``(ii) is entered into on or after the date
of enactment of this paragraph.
``(B) Special rule.--A multiyear contract entered
into under subsection (b) by the Chief or the Director
with an entity shall provide that, in the case of
cancellation or termination of the multiyear contract
by the Chief or the Director, the Chief or the
Director, as applicable, shall provide to the entity a
cancellation or termination payment that is the lesser
of--
``(i) an amount equal to 10 percent of the
multiyear contract; or
``(ii) the amount of unrecovered costs that
would have been recouped through amortization
over the full term of the contract (including
the term canceled).''.
SEC. 113. FIRESHED MANAGEMENT PROJECT STRIKE TEAMS.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary concerned shall establish strike
teams to assist the Secretary concerned with--
(1) any reviews, including analysis under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.),
consultations under division A of subtitle III of title 54,
United States Code (formerly known as the ``National Historic
Preservation Act''), and consultations under the Endangered
Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), with the intent
to accelerate and streamline interagency consultation
processes;
(2) the implementation of any necessary site preparation
work in advance of, or as part of, a fireshed management
project;
(3) the implementation of fireshed management projects; and
(4) any combination of purposes described in paragraphs (1)
through (3).
(b) Members.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary concerned may appoint not
more than 10 individuals to serve on a strike team under this
section, to be composed of--
(A) employees of the department under the
jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned;
(B) employees of a different Federal department or
agency, with the consent of the head of that department
or agency; and
(C) private contractors or volunteers from any
nonprofit organization, State government, Indian Tribe,
local government, quasi-governmental agency, academic
institution, or private organization.
(2) Requirement.--In appointing individuals under paragraph
(1), the Secretary concerned shall appoint not fewer than 1
employee of the Federal agency with jurisdiction over the
applicable Federal land.
(c) Review Responsibility.--The Secretary concerned shall--
(1) determine the sufficiency of the documents prepared by
a strike team under this section; and
(2) retain responsibility for any authorizing decision
relating to such a document.
(d) Sunset.--The authority under this section terminates on the
date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 114. LOCALLY LED RESTORATION.
Section 14(d) of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16
U.S.C. 472a(d)) is amended, in the first sentence, by striking
``$10,000'' and inserting ``$55,000''.
SEC. 115. JOINT CHIEFS LANDSCAPE RESTORATION PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.
Section 40808 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (16
U.S.C. 6592d) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at
the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) to recover from wildfire; or
``(E) to enhance soil, water, and related natural
resources.'';
(2) in subsection (d)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and post-
wildfire impacts'' after ``wildfire risk''; and
(B) in subparagraph (F), by inserting ``, as
identified in the corresponding State forest action
plan, Tribal-integrated resource management plan or
Tribal forest management plan, or similar priority plan
(such as a State wildlife or water plan)'' before the
semicolon;
(3) in subsection (g), by striking paragraph (2) and
inserting the following:
``(2) Additional reports.--For each of fiscal years 2022
and 2023, and not less frequently than once every 2 fiscal
years thereafter, the Chiefs shall submit a report describing
projects for which funding is provided under the Program,
including the status and outcomes of those projects, to--
``(A) in the Senate--
``(i) the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry;
``(ii) the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources;
``(iii) the Committee on Appropriations;
and
``(iv) the Committee on Indian Affairs; and
``(B) in the House of Representatives--
``(i) the Committee on Agriculture;
``(ii) the Committee on Natural Resources;
and
``(iii) the Committee on Appropriations.'';
and
(4) in subsection (h)(1), by striking ``and 2023'' and
inserting ``through 2031''.
SEC. 116. COLLABORATIVE FOREST LANDSCAPE RESTORATION PROGRAM.
Section 4003 of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (16
U.S.C. 7303) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (2)(B)(ii), by striking ``500
note'' and inserting ``7125''; and
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (D), by striking
``species;'' and inserting ``species or
pathogens;'';
(ii) in subparagraph (G), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(iii) in subparagraph (H), by adding
``and'' after the semicolon at the end; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(I) address standardized monitoring questions and
indicators;'';
(2) in subsection (c)(3)(A)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in clause (ii), by adding ``and'' at the end;
and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) include a Federal Government
staffing plan for providing support to
collaboratives established pursuant to
subsection (b)(2);'';
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (E), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (F), by striking the
period at the end and inserting a semicolon;
and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) proposals that seek to use innovative
implementation mechanisms, including conservation
finance agreements, good neighbor agreements entered
into under section 8206 of the Agricultural Act of 2014
(16 U.S.C. 2113a), and similar implementation
mechanisms;
``(H) proposals that seek to reduce the risk of
uncharacteristic wildfire or increase ecological
restoration activities--
``(i) within areas across land ownerships,
including State, Tribal, and private land; and
``(ii) within the wildland-urban interface
(as defined in section 101 of the Healthy
Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C.
6511)); and
``(I) proposals that seek to enhance watershed
health and drinking water sources.''; and
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``10''
and inserting ``20''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``2''
and inserting ``4'';
(4) in subsection (e)(3), by inserting ``conflict
resolution or collaborative governance,'' before ``and woody'';
and
(5) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (4)(B)(ii), by striking
``$4,000,000'' and inserting ``$8,000,000''; and
(B) in paragraph (6), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2034''.
SEC. 117. UTILIZING GRAZING FOR WILDFIRE RISK REDUCTION.
(a) Strategy.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned, in coordination
with the holders of permits to graze livestock on Federal land
under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned and in
consultation with other relevant stakeholders, shall develop a
strategy to utilize livestock grazing as a wildfire risk
reduction tool on Federal land, consistent with the laws
applicable to the Secretary concerned.
(2) Inclusions.--The strategy under paragraph (1) shall
include--
(A) the completion of any reviews required under
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) to allow permitted grazing on
vacant grazing allotments during instances of drought,
wildfire, or other natural disasters that disrupt
grazing on allotments already permitted;
(B) the use of targeted grazing to reduce hazardous
fuels;
(C) an increased use of temporary permits to
promote targeted fuels reduction and reduction of
invasive annual grasses;
(D) an increased use of livestock grazing--
(i) to eradicate invasive annual grasses;
and
(ii) as a post-fire restoration and
recovery strategy, as appropriate;
(E) an integrated use of advanced technologies to
dynamically adjust livestock placement;
(F) an increased use of any authorities applicable
to livestock grazing, including modifications to
grazing permits or leases to allow variances pursuant
to paragraph (3);
(G) the utilization of grazing on Federal land
under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned in a
manner that--
(i) avoids conflicts with other uses of
that Federal land; and
(ii) is consistent with any applicable land
management plan; and
(H) the use of any other means determined to be
appropriate by the Secretary concerned.
(3) Variances.--
(A) In general.--At the request of an authorized
grazing permittee or lessee, the Secretary concerned
may allow a temporary variance to the terms and
conditions of a grazing permit or lease to address
significant changes in weather, forage production, the
effects of fire or drought, or other temporary
circumstances that impact resource conditions, to
facilitate the long-term ecological health of the
Federal land.
(B) Variances.--In carrying out subparagraph (A),
the Secretary concerned may authorize a temporary
variance to the terms and conditions of the applicable
grazing permit or lease to adjust the beginning date,
the ending date, both the beginning date and ending
date, or water transportation, as applicable, as
specified in the applicable grazing permit or lease,
subject to--
(i) the requirement that, unless otherwise
specified in the appropriate allotment
management plan or any other activity plan that
is the functional equivalent to the appropriate
allotment management plan under section
4120.2(a)(3) of title 43, Code of Federal
Regulations (or a successor regulation), the
applicable adjusted date of the season of use--
(I) occurs--
(aa) not earlier than 21
days before the beginning date
specified in the applicable
grazing permit or lease; or
(bb) not later than 21 days
after the ending date specified
in the applicable grazing
permit or lease; and
(II) would not result in forage
removal that exceeds the amount of
active use specified in the applicable
grazing permit or lease; and
(ii) the requirement that, in accordance
with applicable law (including regulations) and
the terms and conditions of the applicable
grazing permit or lease, an authorized grazing
permittee or lessee using a variance under this
paragraph shall develop and use a monitoring
plan determined to be acceptable to the
Secretary concerned as a reasonable way to
track the effects of the variance on the long-
term ecological health of the allotment on
which the variance is used.
(b) Effect on Existing Grazing Programs.--Nothing in this section
affects--
(1) any livestock grazing program carried out by the
Secretary concerned as of the date of enactment of this Act; or
(2) any statutory authority for any program described in
paragraph (1).
SEC. 118. WATER SOURCE PROTECTION PROGRAM.
Section 303 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
U.S.C. 6542) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (7) as
paragraphs (2) through (8), respectively;
(B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so
redesignated) the following:
``(1) Adjacent land.--The term `adjacent land' means non-
Federal land, including State, local, Tribal, and private land,
that is adjacent to, and within the same watershed as, National
Forest System land on which a watershed protection and
restoration project is carried out under this section.''; and
(C) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (G) and
(H) as subparagraphs (K) and (L), respectively;
and
(ii) by inserting after subparagraph (F)
the following:
``(G) an acequia association;
``(H) a local, regional, or other public entity
that manages stormwater or wastewater resources or
other related water infrastructure;
``(I) a land-grant mercedes; and
``(J) a local, regional, or other private entity
that has water delivery authority;'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by inserting ``and adjacent land'' before the
period at the end;
(B) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--The Secretary''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Requirements.--A watershed protection and restoration
project under the Program shall be designed--
``(A) to protect and restore watershed health,
water supply and quality, a municipal or agricultural
water supply system, and water-related infrastructure;
``(B) to protect and restore forest health from
insect infestation and disease or wildfire; or
``(C) to advance any combination of the purposes
described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
``(3) Priorities.--In selecting watershed protection and
restoration projects under the Program, the Secretary shall
give priority to projects that would--
``(A) provide risk management benefits associated
with drought, wildfire, post-wildfire conditions,
extreme weather events, flooding, resilience to climate
change, and watershed and fire resilience, including
minimizing risks to watershed health, water supply and
quality, and water-related infrastructure, including
municipal and agricultural water supply systems;
``(B) support aquatic restoration and conservation
efforts that complement existing or planned forest
restoration or wildfire risk reduction efforts;
``(C) provide quantifiable benefits to water supply
or quality and include the use of nature-based
solutions, such as restoring wetland and riparian
ecosystems;
``(D) include--
``(i) partners with demonstrated capacity
to, and success in, designing and implementing
ecological restoration projects, wildfire risk-
reduction efforts, or post-wildfire restoration
projects; or
``(ii) in the case of communities that have
historically lacked access to adequate
resources, partners with a strong likelihood of
success in designing and implementing a
watershed protection and restoration project;
and
``(E) include--
``(i) a contribution of funds or in-kind
support from non-Federal partners in an amount
greater than the amount required under
subsection (g)(2); or
``(ii) such other characteristics as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate.
``(4) Conditions for projects on adjacent land.--
``(A) In general.--No project or activity may be
carried out under this section on adjacent land, unless
the owner of the adjacent land provides express support
for, and is a willing and engaged partner in, carrying
out that project or activity.
``(B) Effect.--Nothing in this section authorizes
any change in--
``(i) the ownership of adjacent land on
which a project or activity is carried out
under this section; or
``(ii) the management of adjacent land on
which a project or activity is carried out
under this section, except during the carrying
out of that project or activity.'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``agreements
with'' and all that follows through the period at the
end and inserting the following: ``agreements with end
water users to protect and restore the condition of
National Forest watersheds and adjacent land that
provide water to--
``(A) end water users; or
``(B) end water users to protect and restore the
condition of National Forest watersheds and adjacent
land that provide water for the benefit of another end
water user.'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``or''
at the end;
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as
subparagraph (E); and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (C)
the following:
``(D) in the case of an agreement with a State, a
county, or an Indian tribe for a project carried out on
National Forest System land--
``(i) a good neighbor agreement entered
into under section 8206 of the Agricultural Act
of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a); or
``(ii) an agreement or contract entered
into under the Tribal Forest Protection Act of
2004 (Public Law 108-278; 118 Stat. 868); or'';
and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Cooperation with non-federal partners.--The Secretary
shall cooperate, to the maximum extent practicable, with non-
Federal partners in carrying out assessments, planning, project
design, and project implementation under this section.'';
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
following:
``(2) Requirements.--A water source management plan shall
be--
``(A) designed to protect and restore ecological
integrity (as defined in section 219.19 of title 36,
Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date
of enactment of this subparagraph));
``(B) based on the best available scientific
information; and
``(C) conducted in a manner consistent with the
forest plan applicable to the National Forest System
land on which the watershed protection and restoration
project is carried out.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Reducing redundancy.--An existing watershed plan,
such as a watershed protection and restoration action plan
developed under section 304(a)(3), or other applicable
watershed planning documents approved by the Secretary may be
used as the basis for a water source management plan under this
subsection.'';
(5) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``purpose of'' in the
matter preceding subparagraph (A) and all that follows through
the period at the end and inserting ``purpose of advancing any
of the purposes described in subsection (b)(2).''; and
(6) in subsection (g)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``at least equal to'' and
inserting ``not less than 20 percent of'';
(ii) by striking ``The Secretary'' and
inserting the following:
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
Secretary''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the
requirement under subparagraph (A) at the discretion of
the Secretary.'';
(B) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``fiscal years 2019 through 2023'' and
inserting ``fiscal years 2025 through 2031'';
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as
subparagraph (D); and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (B)
the following:
``(C) Set-aside for partner participation in
planning and capacity.--Of the amounts made available
under subparagraphs (A) and (B) to carry out this
section for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall use
not less than 10 percent for non-Federal partner
technical assistance participation and capacity-
building efforts in developing or implementing a water
source management plan under subsection (d).''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) In-kind contributions.--The Secretary may include the
value of forest restoration and watershed improvement work
implemented on adjacent land in the project area in determining
in-kind contributions to a project from non-Federal partners
under paragraph (4)(A).''.
SEC. 119. WATERSHED CONDITION FRAMEWORK TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
Section 304(a) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
U.S.C. 6543(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)(A), by inserting ``protection and''
before ``restoration'';
(2) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(3) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) to ensure that management activities and
authorizations do not result in long-term degradation of
watershed health of any watershed in a National Forest.''.
SEC. 120. TRIBAL FOREST PROTECTION MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS.
Section 8703 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (25 U.S.C.
3115b) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``management
demonstration project'' and inserting ``protection management
activities and projects'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c);
(3) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``demonstration'';
(B) by striking ``federally recognized'';
(C) by striking ``programs of'' and inserting
``activities and projects under'';
(D) by inserting ``or compacts'' after
``contracts'';
(E) by striking ``5304 et seq.'' and inserting
``5301 et seq.''; and
(F) by striking the subsection designation and
heading and all that follows through ``and the
Secretary'' and inserting the following:
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian Tribe' has the
meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
``(2) Tribal organization.--The term `Tribal organization'
has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
``(b) Activities and Projects.--The Secretary and the Secretary of
the Interior'';
(4) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated)--
(A) by striking ``contract or project'' each place
it appears and inserting ``contract, compact, or
project'';
(B) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``subsection (a)'' and inserting ``subsection
(b)''; and
(C) in paragraph (1), by striking ``5304 et seq.''
and inserting ``5301 et seq.''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Tort Claims Procedure.--For purposes of chapter 171 of title
28, United States Code, an employee of an Indian Tribe or Tribal
organization that enters into an agreement, contract, or compact under
subsection (b) shall be considered an employee of the Forest Service
while carrying out activities and projects on behalf of the Forest
Service pursuant to that agreement, contract, or compact.
``(e) Publication of Information.--The Secretary and the Secretary
of the Interior shall--
``(1) not later than 180 days after the date of enactment
of this subsection, make available, in an easily accessible
format and location, on the website of the Department of
Agriculture and the Department of the Interior, respectively, a
list of the types of activities and projects that Indian Tribes
and Tribal organizations may enter into agreements, contracts,
or compacts to perform under subsection (b); and
``(2) update the list under paragraph (1) as necessary.''.
SEC. 121. ESTABLISHMENT OF REGIONAL WILDLAND FIRE RESEARCH CENTERS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(A) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources,
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry,
and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate;
(B) the Committee on Natural Resources, the
Committee on Agriculture, and the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and
(C) any other committee of Congress with the
authority to facilitate the development of wildland
fire research.
(2) Career pathway.--The term ``career pathway'' has the
meaning given that term in section 3 of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
(3) Federal science agency.--The term ``Federal science
agency'' has the meaning given that term in section 103(f) of
the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C.
6623(f)).
(4) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given that
term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001(a)).
(5) Land-grant colleges and universities.--The term ``land-
grant colleges and universities'' has the meaning given that
term in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103).
(6) Minority-serving institution.--The term ``minority-
serving institution'' means an institution defined in any of
paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 371(a) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)).
(7) Regional center.--The term ``regional center'' means a
regional wildland fire research center established under
subsection (c)(1).
(8) Tribal organization.--The term ``Tribal organization''
has the meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.
5304).
(9) Wildland fire.--The term ``wildland fire'' means any
non-structure fire that occurs in vegetation or natural fuels
and includes wildfires originating from an unplanned ignition
or prescribed fire.
(10) Wildland fire management agencies.--The term
``wildland fire management agencies'' means--
(A) the Forest Service;
(B) the Bureau of Land Management;
(C) the National Park Service;
(D) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service;
and
(E) the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
(11) Wildland fire research.--The term ``wildland fire
research'' means research to better understand--
(A) the causes and consequences of wildland fires,
including antecedent and contemporaneous factors that
increase the risk of catastrophic events;
(B) the spread and behavior of wildland fires,
including fires in the wildland-urban interface;
(C) the efficacy of mitigation strategies for
wildland fires;
(D) the impact of wildland fires on public health,
safety, and the environment;
(E) the rehabilitation and restoration of affected
ecosystems after wildland fires; and
(F) the development of mitigation strategies and
techniques to improve the safety of wildland fire
managers and firefighters.
(b) Competitive Process.--The Secretaries shall establish a
competitive process for the selection and establishment of regional
wildland fire research centers in accordance with subsection (c).
(c) Selection and Establishment of Regional Centers.--
(1) In general.--The Secretaries shall select not fewer
than 8 institutions of higher education or land-grant colleges
and universities at which to establish, in accordance with the
timeline described in paragraph (2), regional centers to
coordinate the development of wildland fire research.
(2) Timeline.--In establishing regional centers under
paragraph (1), the Secretaries shall establish--
(A) as soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this Act, subject to the availability of
appropriations, a pilot program under which not fewer
than 2 regional centers shall be established; and
(B) not later than 2 years after the date on which
the pilot program is established under subparagraph
(A), the remaining regional centers.
(3) Criteria for selection.--
(A) In general.--In establishing a regional center
at an institution of higher education or land-grant
college or university under this section, the
Secretaries shall prioritize the selection of
institutions, colleges, or universities that meet not
fewer than one of the following criteria:
(i) Have existing programs of record in
wildland fire research.
(ii) Have existing partnerships with
research institutions of the Federal Government
and other academic institutions and entities
relating to wildland fire research.
(iii) Participate in or lead a program
under the Joint Fire Science Program.
(iv) Are a minority-serving institution.
(B) Regions.--The Secretaries shall establish not
fewer than one regional center in each of the following
regions of the United States, as defined by the
Secretaries:
(i) Alaska.
(ii) California.
(iii) The Pacific Northwest.
(iv) The Pacific Islands.
(v) The Plains and Northeast.
(vi) The Rockies.
(vii) The Southeast.
(viii) The Southwest.
(4) Purpose.--Each regional center, with respect to the
region covered by the regional center, shall--
(A) to the extent practical, coordinate research
with other wildland fire research entities, such as
other academic institutions, the Environmental
Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, the National Science Foundation, the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the
Department of Energy, the research and development
program of the Forest Service, the National
Laboratories, the United States Geological Survey, and
State and regional research organizations;
(B) improve the understanding of wildland fire
through wildland fire research that can be applied by
wildland fire management agencies;
(C) develop technologies and other tools to
understand, monitor, and predict wildland fire,
including--
(i) models to predict fire potential and
the spread and behavior of wildland fire and
smoke;
(ii) models to predict how vegetation will
respond to changes in the environment and
wildland fire;
(iii) the integration of technologies to
predict the spread and behavior of wildland
fire and smoke in as near-real-time as
possible; and
(iv) other innovations to be integrated
into operational decision support systems
relating to wildland fire, such as the Wildland
Fire Decision Support System and the
Interagency Fuel Treatment Decision Support
System;
(D) develop technologies and other tools to safely
support land management activities to reduce the
severity of wildland fire;
(E) leverage predictive capabilities to reduce the
impact of smoke on communities and wildfire incident
management teams, including wildland firefighters;
(F) improve the understanding of post-fire risk to
the landscape, including flash flooding potential and
watershed impacts;
(G) test and operate models to support land
management decision-making, including through--
(i) operating models to support management
of wildland fire and vegetation;
(ii) the demonstration of integration
technologies to support management of wildland
fire in as near-real-time as possible; and
(iii) the incorporation of decision science
and social science that examines the perception
and adoption of information related to wildland
fire risk;
(H) develop a career pathway training program with
respect to carrying out wildland fire research;
(I) develop data management protocols to allow for
full and open exchange of data pursuant to the
principles of findability, accessibility,
interoperability, and reusability (commonly referred to
as the ``FAIR principles'') and archive and access that
data;
(J) develop training programs for prescribed fire
implementation; and
(K) make its work and data fully and openly
available.
(d) Advisory Boards.--
(1) In general.--In accordance with chapter 10 of title 5,
United States Code (commonly referred to as the ``Federal
Advisory Committee Act''), the Secretary shall establish at
each regional center an advisory board, to be known as the
``Regional Advisory Board'', to carry out the duties described
in paragraph (4).
(2) Composition.--
(A) In general.--Each Regional Advisory Board shall
consist of members, who shall be from, or have
responsibility covering, the region covered by the
relevant regional center, including at minimum--
(i) one regional representative from each
wildland fire management agency, appointed by
that agency;
(ii) one representative from a State
government agency from each State located in
that region with expertise in forestry and
wildland fire mitigation and management,
appointed by the Governor of that State;
(iii) one representative from an Indian
Tribe or Tribal organization from that region
with expertise in forestry and wildland fire
mitigation and management on Tribal or Federal
land, appointed by the Secretaries; and
(iv) additional representatives elected
under subparagraph (B)(ii).
(B) Elected membership.--
(i) Subcommittee.--Each Regional Advisory
Board shall solicit and approve, on at least an
annual basis, nominations for individuals with
operational expertise in wildland fire
mitigation and management to serve as a
representative on a subcommittee to the
Regional Advisory Board for the purposes of
clause (ii), composed of not more than 15
individuals, including representatives from, as
applicable--
(I) institutions of higher
education or land-grant colleges and
universities;
(II) nongovernmental organizations;
(III) private industry;
(IV) the wildland firefighter
community, including organizations that
represent the interests of wildland
firefighters; and
(V) Southwest Ecological
Restoration Institutes established
under section 5(a) of the Southwest
Forest Health and Wildfire Prevention
Act of 2004 (16 U.S.C. 6704(a)).
(ii) Election.--The subcommittee described
in clause (i) for a Regional Advisory Board may
elect a member or members of the subcommittee
to serve as a member of the Regional Advisory
Board under subparagraph (A)(iv) for a 2-year
term.
(3) Compensation.--Each member of a Regional Advisory Board
shall serve on a voluntary basis without compensation.
(4) Duties.--Each Regional Advisory Board shall--
(A) ensure and support the coordination of wildland
fire research between the relevant regional center and
Federal and State land management agencies in that
region;
(B) communicate the operational needs of Federal
and State land management agencies and wildland fire
management agencies in that region to the relevant
regional center and to the Board governing the Wildfire
Intelligence Center appointed under section 102(f);
(C) advise, in coordination with the relevant
regional center, on research goals and objectives; and
(D) assist the relevant regional center with the
dissemination of research outputs and data to the Board
governing the Wildfire Intelligence Center appointed
under section 102(f) and Federal and State land
management agencies and wildland fire management
agencies in that region.
(5) Meetings.--Each Regional Advisory Board shall meet
quarterly.
(6) Term.--Unless specified otherwise, a member of a
Regional Advisory Board shall serve for a term of 4 years.
(7) Vacancies.--
(A) In general.--A vacancy on a Regional Advisory
Board--
(i) shall not affect the powers of the
Regional Advisory Board; and
(ii) shall be filled in the same manner as
the original appointment was made by not later
than 180 days after the date on which the
vacancy occurs.
(B) Filling unexpired term.--An individual chosen
to fill a vacancy shall be appointed for the unexpired
term of the member replaced.
(e) Report on Wildland Fire Research.--Not later than each of 2
years and 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretaries, in consultation with the Board governing the Wildfire
Intelligence Center appointed under section 102(f), shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report describing--
(1) the progress each regional center has made in the
development of wildland fire research; and
(2) recommendations to improve wildland fire research.
(f) Consultation.--In carrying out the requirements of this
section, the Secretaries shall consult with--
(1) Federal science agencies; and
(2) the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
SEC. 122. CONTRACTS, GRANTS, AND AGREEMENTS TO CARRY OUT CERTAIN
ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION ACTIVITIES.
Section 40804 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (16
U.S.C. 6592a) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(g) Contracts, Grants, and Agreements.--To carry out the
ecosystem restoration activities described in subsection (b), the
Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest
Service, may enter into contracts, grants, or agreements, as
appropriate, with State agencies, Indian Tribes, institutions of higher
education (as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a))), and multistate coalitions--
``(1) for the collection and maintenance of native plant
materials, including material from managed seed orchards; and
``(2) for the production of native plant materials for
revegetation.''.
SEC. 123. REFORESTATION OF LAND DESTROYED BY HERMIT'S PEAK/CALF CANYON
FIRE.
Section 104(d)(4) of the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance
Act (division G of Public Law 117-180; 136 Stat. 2172) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(D) Reforestation.--
``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding
paragraph (1)(B), subject to clause (ii), a
claim that is paid for injury under this Act
may include damages resulting from the Hermit's
Peak/Calf Canyon Fire for otherwise
uncompensated resource losses for costs of
reasonable efforts, as determined by the
Administrator, incurred by the State of New
Mexico not later than December 31, 2030, to
design and construct a center for the purpose
of researching, developing, and generating
native seedlings.
``(ii) Limitation.--The payment of a claim
under this Act may not include amounts to
design or construct a center described in
clause (i) until after all claims by an injured
person that are pending on the date of
enactment of this subparagraph are paid or
otherwise resolved.''.
SEC. 124. CONTRACT PREFERENCE FOR LOCAL CONTRACTORS FOR CERTAIN
HAZARDOUS FUEL REDUCTION PROJECTS.
(a) In General.--Title I of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of
2003 is amended--
(1) by redesignating sections 107 and 108 (16 U.S.C. 6517,
6518) as sections 108 and 109, respectively; and
(2) by inserting after section 106 (16 U.S.C. 6516) the
following:
``SEC. 107. CONTRACT PREFERENCE FOR LOCAL CONTRACTORS FOR CERTAIN
HAZARDOUS FUEL REDUCTION PROJECTS.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Appropriate local contractor.--The term `appropriate
local contractor' means an entity that carries out, pursuant to
a contract or agreement, 1 or more authorized projects
located--
``(A) in a State in which--
``(i) the entity has its principal place of
business, as certified by the entity or an
individual representing the entity; and
``(ii) not fewer than 26 percent of the
total workforce assigned to the applicable
contract or agreement (including subcontractors
at any tier) will reside, as certified by the
entity or an individual representing the
entity; or
``(B) within a 60-mile radius of the State in which
the entity is registered as a business or has its
principal place of business, as certified by the entity
or an individual representing the entity.
``(2) Authorized project.--The term `authorized project'
includes any activity carried out pursuant to--
``(A) an authorized hazardous fuel reduction
project; or
``(B) a fireshed management project (as defined in
section 2 of the Fix Our Forests Act).
``(3) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.
``(b) Contract Preference.--Effective beginning on the date of
enactment of the Fix Our Forests Act, the Secretary shall give
preference in awarding a contract to carry out an authorized project in
a State to an appropriate local contractor, to the maximum extent
practicable.
``(c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of the Fix Our Forests Act, and not less frequently than annually
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that
includes--
``(1) a quantitative analysis of the number and percentage
of contracts awarded to appropriate local contractors, the
total dollar value of those contracts, and an assessment of the
economic impact of the contract preference under subsection (b)
on local employment and contractor capacity;
``(2) a description of the reasons for awarding a contract
to carry out an authorized project in a State to an individual
or entity that is not an appropriate local contractor; and
``(3) a description of the implementation by the Secretary
of this section.
``(d) Monitoring and Evaluation.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
monitoring and evaluation process--
``(A) to assess compliance with the requirements of
this section, including the contract preference under
subsection (b); and
``(B) to support the reports required under
subsection (c).
``(2) Participants.--The process described in paragraph (1)
may include participation by--
``(A) any cooperating governmental agencies,
including Tribal governments; and
``(B) any other interested groups or
individuals.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents contained in section
1(b) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-
148; 117 Stat. 1887) is amended by striking the items relating to
sections 107 and 108 and inserting the following:
``Sec. 107. Contract preference for local contractors for certain
hazardous fuel reduction projects.
``Sec. 108. Effect of title.
``Sec. 109. Authorization of appropriations.''.
Subtitle C--Litigation Reform
SEC. 131. LITIGATION REFORM.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Agency document.--The term ``agency document'', with
respect to a fireshed management project, means a record of
decision, decision memorandum, environmental document, or
programmatic environmental document.
(2) Covered agency action.--The term ``covered agency
action'' means--
(A) the establishment of a fireshed management
project by an agency;
(B) the application of a categorical exclusion to a
fireshed management project;
(C) the preparation of any agency document for a
fireshed management project; and
(D) any other agency action as part of a fireshed
management project.
(3) NEPA terms.--The terms ``categorical exclusion'',
``environmental document'', and ``programmatic environmental
document'' have the meanings given those terms in section 111
of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
4336e).
(b) Limitations on Judicial Review.--
(1) Limitations on injunctive relief.--
(A) Temporary delay of covered agency action.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in the case
of a claim arising under Federal law seeking judicial
review of a covered agency action, a court shall not
issue a preliminary injunction against such covered
agency action unless the court determines that--
(i) subject to subparagraph (C), such
preliminary injunction is in the public
interest;
(ii) the balance of equities favors the
plaintiff;
(iii) the plaintiff is likely to succeed on
the merits; and
(iv) the plaintiff is likely to suffer
irreparable injury in the absence of
preliminary relief.
(B) Permanent limit on agency action.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in the case
of a claim arising under Federal law seeking judicial
review of a covered agency action, a court shall not
issue a permanent injunction against such covered
agency action, or an order to otherwise permanently
limit such covered agency action, unless a court
determines that--
(i) subject to subparagraph (C), such
permanent injunction or order is in the public
interest;
(ii) the balance of equities favors the
plaintiff;
(iii) the plaintiff has suffered or will
suffer irreparable injury; and
(iv) no adequate remedy is available at
law.
(C) Public interest determination.--
(i) In general.--In determining under
subparagraphs (A) and (B) whether a preliminary
or permanent injunction against, or other order
with respect to, a covered agency action is in
the public interest, the considerations of the
court shall include--
(I) the purpose for which an agency
is undertaking the fireshed management
project relating to such covered agency
action;
(II) the likelihood that the
fireshed management project will
achieve the stated purpose of the
fireshed management project; and
(III) the short- and long-term
effects of proceeding with the covered
agency action, as compared to delaying
or limiting such covered agency action,
including the potential for significant
increases in wildfire risk or severity
and significant threats to the health
of the ecosystem.
(ii) Weight of public interest factor.--In
determining whether to issue any injunction or
order under subparagraph (A) or (B), a court
shall give significant, but not necessarily
dispositive, weight to its consideration of
whether such order is in the public interest.
(2) Remand.--
(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, in the case of a claim arising under
Federal law seeking judicial review of a covered agency
action, if the court remands the matter to the agency,
the court shall remand with instructions to carry out,
during the 180-day period beginning on the date of such
remand, such additional actions as may be necessary to
redress any cognizable harm giving rise to such claim.
(B) Vacatur.--
(i) In general.--In remanding a matter to
an agency under subparagraph (A), the court
shall remand with vacatur only if--
(I) the seriousness of any
deficiencies in the covered agency
action weigh in favor of vacatur; and
(II) the court determines that any
disruptive consequences of vacatur,
including the short- and long-term
effects of vacating the covered agency
action or any part of such covered
agency action, do not outweigh the
justification for vacatur.
(ii) Considerations.--In making the
determination described in clause (i)(II), the
court shall consider whether vacatur would
cause--
(I) any significant increases in
wildfire risk or severity, and
(II) any significant threats to the
health of the ecosystem.
(C) Effect of remand on agency.--In the case of a
covered agency action subject to remand without
vacatur, or with partial vacatur, pursuant to this
paragraph, the agency may--
(i) continue to carry out such covered
agency action, or such parts of the covered
agency action as are not vacated, to the extent
that doing so does not interfere with any
additional actions required pursuant to
subparagraph (A); and
(ii) use any format, as appropriate, to
correct an agency document (including a
supplemental environmental document,
memorandum, or errata sheet), provided that
such format is appropriate to the nature of the
deficiency.
(3) Preservation of authority.--Nothing in this section
alters, limits, or displaces the authority of a court to review
a covered agency action under section 706(2) of title 5, United
States Code.
(c) Limitations on Claims.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, a claim arising under Federal law seeking judicial review of a
covered agency action shall be barred unless--
(1) with respect to an agency document or the application
of a categorical exclusion noticed in the Federal Register,
such claim is filed not later than 150 days after the date of
publication of a notice in the Federal Register of agency
intent to carry out the fireshed management project relating to
such covered agency document or application, unless a shorter
period is specified in such Federal law; or
(2) in the case of an agency document or the application of
a categorical exclusion not described in paragraph (1), if such
agency document or application is otherwise published or
noticed, such claim is filed not later than 150 days after the
date that is the earlier of--
(A) the date on which such agency document or
application is published; and
(B) the date on which such agency document or
application is noticed.
SEC. 132. CONSULTATION ON FOREST PLANS.
(a) Forest Service Plans.--Section 6(d)(2) of the Forest and
Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C.
1604(d)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
``(2) No additional consultation required under certain
circumstances.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
Secretary shall not be required to reinitiate consultation
under section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16
U.S.C. 1536(a)(2)) or section 402.16 of title 50, Code of
Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), on a land
management plan approved, amended, or revised under this
section when--
``(A) a new species is listed or critical habitat
is designated under the Endangered Species Act of 1973
(16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); or
``(B) new information reveals effects of the land
management plan that may affect a species listed or
critical habitat designated under that Act in a manner
or to an extent not previously considered.''.
(b) Bureau of Land Management Plans.--Section 202 of the Federal
Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(g) No Additional Consultation Required Under Certain
Circumstances.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
Secretary shall not be required to reinitiate consultation under
section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C.
1536(a)(2)) or section 402.16 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations
(or a successor regulation), on a land use plan approved, amended, or
revised under this section when--
``(1) a new species is listed or critical habitat is
designated under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C.
1531 et seq.); or
``(2) new information reveals effects of the land use plan
that may affect a species listed or critical habitat designated
under that Act in a manner or to an extent not previously
considered.''.
Subtitle D--Prescribed Fire
SEC. 141. PRESCRIBED FIRE ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES, POLICIES, AND PRACTICES.
(a) Definition of Prescribed Fire.--
(1) In general.--In this section, the term ``prescribed
fire'' means a fire deliberately ignited to burn wildland fuels
in a natural or modified state--
(A) under specified environmental conditions that
are intended to allow the fire--
(i) to be confined to a predetermined area;
and
(ii) to produce the fireline intensity and
rate of spread required to attain planned
resource management objectives; and
(B) in accordance with applicable law (including
regulations).
(2) Exclusion.--In this section, the term ``prescribed
fire'' does not include a fire that is ignited for the primary
purpose of pile burning.
(3) Cultural burning.--In this section, the term
``prescribed fire'' includes specified cultural burning
activities that an Indian Tribe designates for treatment as
prescribed fire for the purposes of this section.
(b) Eligible Activities.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary concerned may carry out
eligible activities described in paragraph (2) for hazardous
fuels management with respect to land under the jurisdiction of
the Secretary concerned.
(2) Description of activities.--The activities referred to
in paragraph (1) are--
(A) with respect to prescribed fires on Federal
land, or on non-Federal land if the Secretary concerned
determines that such activities would benefit resources
on Federal land--
(i) entering into procurement contracts or
cooperative agreements for prescribed fire
activities;
(ii) issuing grants from an existing grant
program to a State, Indian Tribe, local
government, prescribed fire council, prescribed
burn association, or nonprofit organization for
the implementation of prescribed fires,
including--
(I) carrying out necessary
environmental reviews;
(II) carrying out any site
preparation necessary for implementing
prescribed fires; and
(III) conducting any required pre-
ignition cultural and environmental
surveys; and
(iii) conducting outreach to the public,
Indian Tribes and beneficiaries, and adjacent
landowners;
(B) implementing prescribed fires on non-Federal
land, if the Secretary concerned determines that the
prescribed fire would benefit Federal land, including--
(i) carrying out necessary environmental
reviews;
(ii) carrying out any site preparation
necessary for implementing prescribed fires;
and
(iii) conducting any required pre-ignition
cultural and environmental surveys;
(C) providing training for prescribed fire and
basic smoke management practices to Federal employees
and cooperators;
(D) conducting post-prescribed fire activities,
such as monitoring for hazard trees or reignitions and
invasive species management; and
(E) providing technical or financial assistance to
a State, Indian Tribe, local government, prescribed
fire council, prescribed burn association, or nonprofit
organization for the purpose of providing training for
prescribed fire or basic smoke management practices,
consistent with any standards developed by the National
Wildfire Coordinating Group or State-prescribed fire
standards.
(3) Prioritization.--
(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
Secretary concerned shall coordinate with the other
Secretary concerned, State and local government
agencies, Indian Tribes, and applicable nongovernmental
organizations to establish prioritization criteria for
carrying out the activities described in paragraph (2).
(B) Requirement.--In establishing criteria under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary concerned shall give
priority to a project that is--
(i) implemented across a large contiguous
area;
(ii) cross-boundary in nature;
(iii) located in an area that is--
(I) within or adjacent to the
wildland-urban interface and identified
as a priority area in a statewide
forest action plan, fireshed
assessment, or community wildfire
protection plan; or
(II) identified by the Secretary of
the Interior, in consultation with the
appropriate Indian Tribe, as important
to the protection of a Tribal trust
resource or the reserved or treaty
rights of an Indian Tribe identified by
the Secretary concerned, in
consultation with the appropriate
Indian Tribe;
(iv) on land that is at high or very high
risk of experiencing a wildfire that would be
difficult to suppress;
(v) in an area that is designated as
critical habitat and in need of ecological
restoration or enhancement that can be achieved
with the aid of prescribed fire; or
(vi) supportive of potential operational
delineations or strategic response zones.
(c) Policies and Practices.--The Secretary concerned, in
coordination with State and local governments and Indian Tribes, shall
develop a prescribed fire operational strategy for each region of the
National Forest System or the Department of the Interior, as
applicable, that describes--
(1) the fire deficit, by region; and
(2) staffing and funding needs to address the fire deficit
described in paragraph (1).
SEC. 142. HUMAN RESOURCES.
(a) Competencies for Firefighters.--The Secretaries, in
coordination with the Fire Executive Council, shall task the National
Wildfire Coordinating Group with the duty to adjust training
requirements to obtain a certification to serve in a supervisory role
for a prescribed fire and any other positions determined to be
necessary by the Secretaries--
(1) in order to reduce the time required to obtain such a
certification; and
(2) such that significant experience, gained exclusively
during a prescribed fire, is required to obtain such a
certification.
(b) Enhancing Interoperability Between Federal and Non-Federal
Practitioners.--
(1) Qualification databases and dispatch systems.--The
Secretaries shall establish, to the extent practicable, a
collaborative process to create mechanisms for non-Federal fire
practitioners to be included in prescribed fire and wildfire
resource ordering and reimbursement processes.
(2) Partnership agreements.--The Secretaries may--
(A) develop partnership agreements for prescribed
fire with all relevant State, Federal, Tribal,
university, and nongovernmental entities that choose to
be included in resource ordering and reimbursement
processes under paragraph (1);
(B) create agreements and structures necessary to
include non-Federal and other nontraditional partners
in direct work with Federal agencies to address
prescribed fires; and
(C) treat any prescribed fire practitioner meeting
the National Wildfire Coordinating Group standards as
eligible to be included in statewide participating
agreements.
SEC. 143. LIABILITY OF PRESCRIBED FIRE MANAGERS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered activity.--The term ``covered activity'' means
an activity carried out on Federal land directly related to a
wildland fire, prescribed fire, or prescribed fire with
cultural objectives in the course of executing a Federal
action.
(2) Covered entity.--The term ``covered entity'' means a
non-Federal entity that--
(A) carries out a covered activity; and
(B) is acting--
(i) under the direct supervision of a
Federal employee; and
(ii) within the scope of a contract or
agreement in carrying out that covered
activity.
(b) Indemnity of Federal and Tribal Employees.--The Secretaries, in
coordination with the Attorney General, shall develop a voluntary
training course for employees involved in covered activities
describing--
(1) liability protections afforded to those employees when
acting within the scope of their employment;
(2) the limits on any liability protections under paragraph
(1); and
(3) reimbursements available for qualified employees for
professional liability insurance under section 636 of division
A of Public Law 104-208 (5 U.S.C. prec. 5941 note).
(c) Indemnity of Other Cooperators.--
(1) In general.--Effective beginning on the date of
enactment of this Act, a covered entity shall be considered to
be an employee of the Federal Government for purposes of
chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code (commonly known as
the ``Federal Tort Claims Act''), while that covered entity
carries out any covered activity.
(2) Guidance.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretaries, in consultation with
the Attorney General, shall issue guidance regarding the
necessary provisions of, and implementation requirements for,
contracts or agreements that would extend liability protection
to covered entities pursuant to paragraph (1).
(3) Reimbursement.--Beginning in the first fiscal year that
begins after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries
shall request, through annual appropriations, funds sufficient
to reimburse the Treasury for any claims paid during the
preceding fiscal year pursuant to paragraph (1).
(d) Effect.--Nothing in this section limits or otherwise affects
the application of--
(1) any statutory or judicial immunity to any Federal
employee;
(2) chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code (commonly
known as the ``Federal Tort Claims Act''), to any Federal
employee; or
(3) section 314 of Public Law 101-512 (25 U.S.C. 5321
note).
SEC. 144. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW.
(a) Smoke Management Agencies.--
(1) Policy.--The Secretaries shall ensure that policies,
training, and programs of the Secretaries are consistent with
this subsection--
(A) to facilitate greater use of prescribed fire in
a safe and responsible manner, with appropriate
monitoring to prevent prescribed fires from exceeding
containment;
(B) to address public health and safety, including
impacts from smoke from wildfires and prescribed fires;
and
(C) to improve and leverage smoke modeling and
smoke monitoring using existing systems and programs,
including the Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality
Response Program established under section 1114(f) of
the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and
Recreation Act (43 U.S.C. 1748b-1(f)), to provide
consistent forecasts on air quality impacts from
wildfire and prescribed fire.
(2) Coordination among federal, tribal, and state air
quality agencies and federal, tribal, and state land management
agencies.--To facilitate the use of prescribed fire on Federal,
State, Tribal, and private land, the Executive Director, in
cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency, Federal
and State land management agencies, shall coordinate with
State, Tribal, and local air quality agencies that regulate
smoke under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.)--
(A) to the maximum extent practicable, to provide
State, Tribal, and local air quality agencies with
guidance, data, imagery, or modeling to support the
development of exceptional event demonstrations for
prescribed fire in accordance with sections 50.14 and
51.930 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or
successor regulations);
(B) to develop archives and automated tools to
provide State, Tribal, and local air quality agencies
with the data, imagery, and modeling under subparagraph
(A);
(C) to provide technical assistance, best
practices, or templates to States, Indian Tribes, and
local governments for the use of the State, Indian
Tribe, or local government in approving the use of
prescribed fire under a State, Tribal, or local
government smoke management program;
(D)(i) to promote basic smoke management practices
and other best practices to protect the public from
wildfire smoke;
(ii) to disseminate information about basic smoke
management practices;
(iii) to educate landowners that use prescribed
fire about the importance of--
(I) using basic smoke management practices;
and
(II) including basic smoke management
practices as a component of a prescribed fire
plan;
(iv) to share with the public information, in
coordination with other State and local agencies with
responsibility for smoke monitoring or regulation,
about measures that individuals can take to protect
themselves from wildfire smoke; and
(v) to promote further development of smoke-ready
efforts to allow communities to be prepared for smoke,
including promotion of smoke planning in community
wildfire protection plans; and
(E) to develop guidance and tools to streamline the
demonstration of a clear causal relationship between
prescribed fire smoke and a related exceedance or
contribution to an exceedance of a national ambient air
quality standard.
(3) Programs and research.--To address the public health
and safety concerns of the expanded use of prescribed fire
under this subtitle, the Secretaries, in coordination with the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the
Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
shall conduct research to improve or develop--
(A) wildfire smoke prediction models;
(B) smoke impact display tools for the public and
decisionmakers, including for health impacts and
transportation safety;
(C) appropriate, cost-effective, and consistent
communications strategies to mitigate the impacts of
smoke from prescribed fire on nearby communities;
(D) consistent nationally and scientifically
supported messages regarding personal protection
equipment for the public;
(E) prescribed fire activity tracking and emission
inventory systems for planning and post-treatment
accountability; and
(F) air quality and atmospheric deposition
monitoring to understand smoke impacts of wildland
fires.
(b) Development of Landscape-scale Federal Prescribed Fire Plans.--
(1) Inclusion of landscape-scale prescribed fire plans.--
The Secretary concerned, with respect to units of the National
Forest System and Bureau of Land Management districts with
existing prescribed fire programs--
(A) not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, shall determine which of those
units or districts have landscape-scale prescribed fire
plans;
(B) not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, shall--
(i) determine whether each plan described
in subparagraph (A) requires revision; and
(ii) establish a schedule for the revision
of each plan described in subparagraph (A) that
requires revision; and
(C) may develop landscape-scale prescribed fire
plans for any units or districts that do not have
landscape-scale prescribed fire plans, as determined
appropriate by the Secretary concerned.
(2) Environmental compliance.--In carrying out paragraph
(1), the Secretary concerned shall--
(A) comply with--
(i) the National Environmental Policy Act
of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
(ii) the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
(iii) division A of subtitle III of title
54, United States Code; and
(iv) any other applicable laws; and
(B) consider the site-specific environmental
consequences of the landscape-scale prescribed fire
decisions under this subsection.
(3) Collaborative development.--In carrying out paragraph
(1), the Secretary concerned shall collaborate with diverse
actors from academia, the Forest Service and Bureau of Land
Management research and development offices, nongovernmental
organizations, Indian Tribes, and other entities, as determined
appropriate by the Secretary concerned.
(4) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary
concerned shall submit to Congress a report describing the
progress of the Secretary concerned in carrying out this
subsection.
SEC. 145. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS AND CONTRACTS FOR PRESCRIBED FIRE.
(a) Agreements and Contracts.--
(1) Definition of eligible entity.--In this subsection, the
term ``eligible entity'' means a State, an Indian Tribe, a unit
of local government, a fire district, a nongovernmental
organization, and a private entity.
(2) Authorization.--The Secretaries may each enter into a
cooperative agreement or contract with an eligible entity, for
a period of not longer than 10 years, that authorizes the
eligible entity--
(A) to coordinate, plan, or conduct a prescribed
fire on Federal land; or
(B) to conduct a prescribed fire training event.
(3) Subcontracts.--A State, Indian Tribe, county, or
eligible entity that enters into a cooperative agreement or
contract under paragraph (1) may enter into a subcontract, in
accordance with applicable employment and contracting laws and
procedures of the State, Indian Tribe, county, or eligible
entity--
(A) to conduct a prescribed fire on Federal land;
or
(B) to conduct a prescribed fire training event
pursuant to that cooperative agreement or contract.
(4) Applicable law.--A prescribed fire conducted pursuant
to this subsection shall be carried out on a project-by-project
basis under--
(A) existing authorities of the applicable Federal
agency responsible for the management of the applicable
Federal land; and
(B) the employment and contracting laws of an
Indian Tribe in accordance with paragraph (3), as
applicable.
(5) Preservation of decision authority.--An eligible entity
may not carry out a project under this subsection pursuant to a
cooperative agreement or contract without the prior written
approval of each Secretary that entered into the cooperative
agreement or contract.
(b) Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 Amendments.--The Tribal
Forest Protection Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-278; 118 Stat. 868) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 4. TRIBAL PRESCRIBED BURN DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary may enter into a contract or
agreement with an Indian Tribe under this Act that provides for
prescribed burns on Federal land pursuant to this section.
``(b) Scope.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a
contract or agreement entered into under this section may--
``(1) use a burn plan that, on approval by the Secretary,
allows multiple prescribed burns to be conducted in accordance
with the burn plan to eliminate the need for individual burn
plans for each prescribed burn and enable forest managers to
have the flexibility to conduct prescribed burns when
conditions allow; and
``(2) include terms that--
``(A) the Secretary may authorize an Indian Tribe
to plan, coordinate, and execute prescribed burns on
the behalf of the Secretary within the scope of the
burn plan including applying the National Wildfire
Coordinating Group standards for prescribed fire
planning and implementation, to the extent authorized
by Federal law;
``(B) any applicable Federal standard that requires
a certain number of personnel to be on-hand during
prescribed burns may be satisfied by regional Federal,
State, or Tribal resources and personnel; and
``(C) where appropriate, the Secretary shall work
with other Federal agencies and Tribal, State, and
local governments to coordinate and communicate the
shared objectives of the prescribed burn and ensure
activities comply with applicable law and
regulations.''.
(c) Cooperative Funds and Deposits Act Amendments.--Public Law 94-
148 (commonly known as the ``Cooperative Funds and Deposits Act'') is
amended--
(1) in the first sentence of the first section (16 U.S.C.
565a-1), by inserting ``prescribed fire and prescribed fire
training events,'' after ``including fire protection,''; and
(2) in section 2 (16 U.S.C. 565a-2), by inserting ``,
section 4 of the Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 (Public
Law 108-278; 118 Stat. 868), or section 145(a) of the Fix Our
Forests Act'' after ``authorized by section 1''.
SEC. 146. FACILITATING RESPONSIBLE USE OF PRESCRIBED FIRE.
The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service,
shall--
(1) use all available resources to ensure prescribed burns
conducted by the Forest Service are extinguished; and
(2) update the prescribed burn policies of the Forest
Service to reflect the findings and recommendations included in
the report of the Forest Service entitled ``National Prescribed
Fire Program Review'' and dated September 2022.
TITLE II--PROTECTING COMMUNITIES AT RISK
Subtitle A--Community Wildfire Risk Reduction
SEC. 201. COMMUNITY WILDFIRE RISK REDUCTION PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretaries and the Secretary of Homeland
Security, acting through the Administrator of the United States Fire
Administration, shall jointly establish an interagency program, to be
known as the ``Community Wildfire Risk Reduction Program'' (referred to
in this section as the ``Program''), which shall consist of at least 1
representative from each of the following:
(1) The Office of Wildland Fire of the Department of the
Interior.
(2) The National Park Service.
(3) The Bureau of Land Management.
(4) The United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
(5) The Bureau of Indian Affairs.
(6) The Forest Service.
(7) The Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(8) The United States Fire Administration.
(9) The National Institute of Standards and Technology.
(10) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
(11) The National Wildfire Coordinating Group.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the Program is to support interagency
coordination in reducing the risk of, and the damages resulting from,
wildland fires in communities (including Tribal communities) in the
wildland-urban interface through--
(1) advancing research and science in wildland fire
resilience, land management, and risk reduction in the built
environment, including support for non-Federal research
partnerships;
(2) using current programming already available to Federal
agencies;
(3) supporting the development of fire-resistant building
methods, codes, and standards for community wildland fire risk
reduction, including by promoting ignition-resistant
construction, defensible space, and other measures demonstrated
to effectively reduce wildland fire risks, as informed by the
best available science;
(4) supporting adoption by Indian Tribes and local
governmental entities of fire-resistant building methods,
codes, and standards;
(5) supporting efforts by Indian Tribes and local
governmental entities to address the effects of wildland fire
on those communities, including property damages, air quality,
and water quality;
(6) encouraging public-private partnerships to conduct
hazardous fuels management activities near and within the
wildland-urban interface, including creating or improving
defensible space around structures;
(7) providing technical and financial assistance targeted
towards communities (including Tribal communities) through
streamlined and unified technical assistance and grant
management mechanisms, including the portal and uniform grant
application established under subsection (c)--
(A) to encourage critical risk-reduction measures
on private property with high wildland fire risk
exposure in those communities; and
(B) to mitigate costs for, and improve capacity
among, those communities;
(8) reducing risk in the built environment by encouraging
increased mitigation measures, such as the use of ignition-
resistant construction and retrofitting materials;
(9) coordinating budgets among the agencies described in
subsection (a) to identify gaps and reduce overlap;
(10) supporting the integration of wildland fire risk
reduction measure and technical assistance into existing
Federal programs, where practicable; and
(11) advancing the development of early wildfire detection
and warning systems for rapid response and community alerts.
(c) Portal and Uniform Grant Application.--
(1) In general.--As part of the Program, the Secretaries
and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency shall establish a portal through which a person may
submit a single, uniform application for any of the following:
(A) A community wildfire defense grant under
section 40803(f) of the Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act (16 U.S.C. 6592(f)).
(B) An emergency management performance grant under
section 662 of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management
Reform Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 762).
(C) A grant under section 33 of the Federal Fire
Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2229).
(D) A grant under section 34 of the Federal Fire
Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2229a).
(E) Financial or technical assistance or a grant
under section 203, 205, 404, 406, or 420 of the Robert
T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance
Act (42 U.S.C. 5133, 5135, 5170c, 5172, 5187).
(2) Simplification of application.--In establishing the
portal and application under paragraph (1), the Secretaries and
the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
shall seek to reduce the complexity and length of the
application process for the forms of assistance described in
paragraph (1).
(3) Technical assistance.--The Secretaries shall provide
technical assistance to communities or persons seeking to apply
for financial assistance through the portal using the
application established under paragraph (1).
(d) Duties.--In carrying out this section, the representatives
described in subsection (a) shall--
(1) meet not less frequently than once per year;
(2) ensure coordination, as appropriate, with other Federal
agencies not identified in that subsection; and
(3) seek to gather feedback, as appropriate, from States,
Indian Tribes, local governments, academic or research
institutions, private entities, and such other entities as the
Secretaries and the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting
through the Administrator of the United States Fire
Administration, determine to be appropriate, to improve the
function and operation of the Program.
(e) Coordination.--The Secretaries and the Secretary of Homeland
Security, acting through the Administrator of the United States Fire
Administration, shall seek to ensure that States and Indian Tribes are
invited and represented in meetings and other activities under this
section.
(f) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, and not less frequently than once every 2 years thereafter,
the Program, acting through the representatives described in subsection
(a), shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress a report
that--
(1) describes the activities carried out under the Program
during the 2 preceding years;
(2) assesses the management, coordination, implementation,
and effectiveness of Program activities;
(3) suggests improvements for the coordination and
engagement of the Program with States, Indian Tribes, units of
local government, and at-risk communities;
(4) assesses trends and developments in science and
engineering relating to wildfire risk reduction in the built
environment, land-use planning, and vegetation management that
could be used to improve the effectiveness or efficiency of the
Program;
(5) provides recommendations, to the maximum extent
practicable--
(A) to improve the Program, including the ability
of the Program to provide financial or technical
assistance to States, Indian Tribes, units of local
government, and at-risk communities; and
(B) to modify existing requirements for Federal
assistance or programs that support community wildfire
risk reduction to improve the delivery, effectiveness,
or availability of such assistance or programs;
(6) describes and itemizes the total amount of funding
relating to community wildfire risk reduction that was
obligated during the 2 preceding fiscal years by the agencies
described in subsection (a); and
(7) describes any feedback incorporated from non-Federal
stakeholders to improve the function and operation of the
Program.
(g) Sunset.--The Program terminates on the date that is 7 years
after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 202. COMMUNITY WILDFIRE DEFENSE RESEARCH PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretaries, acting jointly, shall expand the
Joint Fire Science Program to include a performance-driven research and
development program, to be known as the ``Community Wildfire Defense
Research Program'' (referred to in this section as the ``Program''),
for the purpose of testing and advancing innovative designs to
establish or improve the wildfire resistance of structures and
communities.
(b) Program Priorities.--In carrying out the Program, the
Secretaries shall evaluate efforts and opportunities on or after the
date of enactment of this Act to establish wildfire-resistant
structures and communities through--
(1) different affordable building materials, including mass
timber;
(2) home hardening, including policies to incentivize and
incorporate defensible space;
(3) preparation for wildland fire smoke;
(4) subdivision design and other land-use planning and
design;
(5) landscape architecture; and
(6) other wildfire-resistant designs, as determined by the
Secretaries.
(c) Community Wildfire Defense Innovation Prize.--
(1) In general.--In carrying out the Program, the
Secretaries shall carry out a competition through which a
person may submit to the Secretaries innovative designs for the
establishment or improvement of an ignition-resistant structure
or fire-adapted community.
(2) Prize.--Subject to the availability of appropriations
made in advance for that purpose, the Secretaries may award a
prize under the competition described in paragraph (1), based
on criteria established by the Secretaries and in accordance
with paragraph (3).
(3) Scale.--In awarding a prize under paragraph (2), the
Secretaries shall prioritize for an award designs with the
greatest potential to scale to existing infrastructure.
(d) Collaboration and Nonduplication.--In carrying out the Program,
the Secretaries shall ensure collaboration and nonduplication of
activities with the Building Technologies Office of the Department of
Energy.
(e) Coordination.--In carrying out the Program, the Secretaries
shall coordinate with the Administrator of the United States Fire
Administration.
(f) Sunset.--The Program terminates on the date that is 7 years
after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 203. COMMUNITY WILDFIRE DEFENSE GRANT PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS.
Section 40803(f) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (16
U.S.C. 6592(f)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1)(B), and inserting the
following:
``(B) to carry out projects, including--
``(i) landscape and hazardous fuels
reduction treatments;
``(ii) the retrofit, modification, or
maintenance of a structure to improve
resistance to fire;
``(iii) creating defensible space around
structures to improve resistance to fire;
``(iv) hardening infrastructure, including
evacuation routes, to improve resistance to
fire;
``(v) any other project described in a
community wildfire protection plan that is not
more than 10 years old; and
``(vi) deployment of wildfire technologies
determined to be successful under section 303
of the Fix Our Forests Act.'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) located in a fireshed management area (as
defined in section 2 of the Fix Our Forests Act).'';
and
(3) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (C)(i), by striking
``continental''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) Limitation on administrative expenses.--Not
more than 7 percent of funds obligated under this
subsection may be used for administrative expenses
incurred by the Secretary of Agriculture.''.
SEC. 204. UPDATED DEFINITION OF AT-RISK COMMUNITY.
Section 101 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
U.S.C. 6511) is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the
following:
``(1) At-risk community.--The term `at-risk community'
means an area that is composed of--
``(A) an interface community (as defined in the
notice entitled `Wildland Urban Interface Communities
Within the Vicinity of Federal Lands That Are at High
Risk From Wildfire' (66 Fed. Reg. 753 (January 4,
2001)) issued by the Secretary of Agriculture and the
Secretary of the Interior in accordance with title IV
of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2001 (114 Stat. 1009));
``(B) a group of homes and other structures with
basic infrastructure and services (such as utilities
and collectively maintained transportation routes) at
risk from wildfire, as recognized in a fireshed, State,
Tribal, local, regional, territorial, or national
wildfire risk assessment; or
``(C) a group of homes and other structures with
basic infrastructure and services (such as utilities
and collectively maintained transportation routes), as
determined by the Secretary of Agriculture.''.
Subtitle B--Vegetation Management, Reforestation, and Local Fire Risk
Mitigation
SEC. 211. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT, FACILITY INSPECTION, AND OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE RELATING TO ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION AND
DISTRIBUTION FACILITY RIGHTS-OF-WAY.
(a) Hazard Trees Within 150 Feet of Electric Power Line.--Section
512(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
U.S.C. 1772(a)(1)(B)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking
``likely to--'' and inserting ``likely--'';
(2) in clause (i), by inserting ``to'' after the clause
designation; and
(3) in clause (ii), by striking ``come within 10'' and
inserting ``to come within 150''.
(b) Consultation With Private Landowners.--Section 512(c)(3)(E) of
the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.
1772(c)(3)(E)) is amended--
(1) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in clause (ii), by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) consulting with a private landowner
with respect to any hazard trees identified for
removal from land owned by the private
landowner.''.
(c) Review and Approval Process.--Section 512(c)(4)(A) of the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.
1772(c)(4)(A)) is amended by striking clause (iv) and inserting the
following:
``(iv) ensures that--
``(I) a plan submitted without a
modification under clause (iii) shall
be automatically approved by the date
that is 120 days after the date of
submission; and
``(II) for a plan submitted with a
modification under clause (iii), if the
plan is not approved by the date that
is 120 days after the date of
submission, the Secretary concerned
shall develop and submit to the owner
and operator a letter describing--
``(aa) a detailed timeline
(to conclude by the date that
is 165 days after the date of
submission of the plan) for
completing review of the plan;
``(bb) any identified
deficiencies in the plan and
specific opportunities for the
owner or operator to address
each deficiency; and
``(cc) any other relevant
information, as determined by
the Secretary concerned.''.
(d) Technical Corrections.--Section 512 of the Federal Land Policy
and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1772) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``managment'' and
inserting ``management''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(4)(A)(ii), by striking ``and'' at the
end.
(e) Vegetation Management Plan Review.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries shall submit
to the relevant committees of Congress a report describing, with
respect to vegetation management plans submitted under section 512 of
the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1772)--
(1) the extent to which those vegetation management plans
under are reviewed and approved within the 120-day period
required under subsection (c)(4)(A)(iv) of that section;
(2) for any vegetation management plan not reviewed and
approved by the applicable deadline described in paragraph (1),
the reason for any delay in review or approval; and
(3) for any vegetation management plan submitted for review
and approval for which the Secretary concerned requested a
modification, the timeline for reviewing the modification on
resubmission.
SEC. 212. FIRE-SAFE ELECTRICAL CORRIDORS.
Section 512 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976
(43 U.S.C. 1772) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (j) and (k) as subsections
(k) and (l), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (i) the following:
``(j) Permits and Agreements With Owners and Operators of Electric
Transmission or Distribution Facilities.--
``(1) In general.--In any special use permit or easement on
National Forest System land or land under the jurisdiction of
the Bureau of Land Management provided to the owner or operator
of an electric transmission or distribution facility, the
Secretary concerned may provide permission to cut and remove
trees or other vegetation from within striking distance of the
electric transmission or distribution facility without
requiring a separate timber sale, if that cutting and removal
is consistent with--
``(A) the applicable plan;
``(B) the applicable land and resource management
plan or land use plan; and
``(C) other applicable environmental laws
(including regulations).
``(2) Use of proceeds.--A special use permit or easement
that includes permission for cutting and removal described in
paragraph (1) shall include a requirement that, if the owner or
operator of the electric transmission or distribution facility
sells any portion of the material removed under the permit or
easement, the owner or operator shall provide to the Secretary
concerned any proceeds received from the sale, less any costs
incurred in 1 or both of the following activities:
``(A) Carrying out the project.
``(B) Maintenance within the vicinity of the
electric transmission or distribution facility that
reduces fire risk.
``(3) Effect.--Nothing in paragraph (2) shall require the
sale of any material removed under a permit or easement that
includes permission for cutting and removal described in
paragraph (1).''.
SEC. 213. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR HIGH-PRIORITY HAZARD TREES.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) High-priority hazard tree.--The term ``high-priority
hazard tree'' means a standing tree that--
(A) presents a visible hazard to people or property
due to conditions such as deterioration of, or damage
to, the root system, trunk, stem, or limbs of the tree,
or the direction or lean of the tree, as determined by
the Secretary;
(B) is determined by the Secretary to be highly
likely to fail and, on failure, would be highly likely
to cause injury to people or damage to Federal
property; and
(C) is located--
(i) within 300 feet of a National Forest
System road with a maintenance level of 3, 4,
or 5;
(ii) along a National Forest System trail;
or
(iii) in a developed recreation site on
National Forest System land that is operated
and maintained by the Secretary.
(2) High-priority hazard tree activity.--
(A) In general.--The term ``high-priority hazard
tree activity'' means a forest management activity that
mitigates the risks associated with high-priority
hazard trees, including pruning, felling, and disposal
of a high-priority hazard tree.
(B) Exclusions.--The term ``high-priority hazard
tree activity'' does not include any activity--
(i) conducted in a wilderness area or
wilderness study area;
(ii) for the construction of a permanent
road or permanent trail;
(iii) conducted on Federal land on which,
by Act of Congress or Presidential
proclamation, the removal of vegetation is
restricted or prohibited;
(iv) conducted in an area in which
activities described in subparagraph (A) would
be inconsistent with the applicable land and
resource management plan; or
(v) conducted in an inventoried roadless
area.
(b) Categorical Exclusion.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a
categorical exclusion (as defined in 111 of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336e)) for high-
priority hazard tree activities.
(2) Administration.--In developing and administering the
categorical exclusion under paragraph (1), the Secretary
shall--
(A) comply with the National Environmental Policy
Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); and
(B) apply the extraordinary circumstances
procedures under section 220.6 of title 36, Code of
Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), in
determining whether to use the categorical exclusion.
(3) Project size limitation.--A project carried out using
the categorical exclusion developed under paragraph (1) may not
exceed 6,000 acres.
SEC. 214. SEEDS OF SUCCESS STRATEGY.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretaries shall jointly develop and
implement a strategy, which may be an update to or expansion of
existing efforts, to be known as the ``Seeds of Success strategy'', to
enhance the domestic supply chain of seeds, which may include
herbaceous and tree seeds.
(b) Elements.--The strategy developed under subsection (a) shall
include a plan for each of the following:
(1) Facilitating sustained interagency coordination in, and
a comprehensive approach to, native plant materials development
and restoration.
(2) Promoting the re-seeding of native or fire-resistant
vegetation post-wildfire, particularly in the wildland-urban
interface.
(3) Creating and consolidating information relating to
native or fire-resistant vegetation and sharing that
information with Indian Tribes and State and local governments.
(4) Building regional programs and partnerships to promote
the development of materials made from plants native to the
United States and restore those plants to their respective,
native habitats within the United States, giving priority to
the building of those programs and partnerships in regions of
the Bureau of Land Management where the partnerships and
programs do not exist on the date of enactment of this Act.
(5) Expanding workforce and infrastructure capacity to
locally collect, process, and store seed as necessary to
implement revegetation and reforestation projects on priority
land (as defined in section 215(b)(1)).
(6) Expanding warehouse systems of the Secretaries,
particularly the cold storage capacity of the systems.
(7) Shortening the timeline for the approval of permits to
collect seeds on public land managed by the Bureau of Land
Management.
(8) Coordinating with the other Federal agencies, States,
Indian Tribes, and private entities, as appropriate, for the
purpose of seed collection.
(c) Report.--The Secretaries shall submit to the relevant
committees of Congress the strategy developed under subsection (a).
(d) Coordination.--In implementing the strategy developed under
subsection (a), the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the
Director of the Bureau of Land Management, shall coordinate with the
heads of other applicable Federal agencies, including the Department of
Defense, for the purpose of collecting seeds from land under the
jurisdiction under those Federal agencies.
SEC. 215. PROGRAM TO SUPPORT PRIORITY REFORESTATION AND RESTORATION
PROJECTS.
(a) Reforestation Reports Submitted to Additional Committees.--
Section 70303 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (16 U.S.C.
1601 note; Public Law 117-58) is amended, in the matter preceding
paragraph (1), by striking inserting ``, the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources of the Senate, the Committee on Natural Resources of
the House of Representatives,'' after ``Senate''.
(b) Interior Reforestation Program.--
(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
(A) Covered institution of higher education.--The
term ``covered institution of higher education'' means
a land-grant college or university, including--
(i) an 1862 Institution (as defined in
section 2 of the Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7
U.S.C. 7601));
(ii) an 1890 Institution (as defined in
that section);
(iii) an institution that is eligible to
receive funding under Public Law 87-788
(commonly known as the ``McIntire-Stennis Act
of 1962''); and
(iv) a 1994 Institution (as defined in
section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-
Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note;
Public Law 103-382)).
(B) Natural regeneration; reforestation; unplanned
event.--The terms ``natural regeneration'',
``reforestation'', and ``unplanned event'' have the
meanings given those terms in section 3(e)(4)(A) of the
Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act
of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1601(e)(4)(A)).
(C) Priority land.--The term ``priority land''
means historically forested land under the jurisdiction
of the Secretary concerned that, due to an unplanned
event--
(i) requires reforestation to meet the
objectives described in an applicable land use
plan; and
(ii) is unlikely to experience natural
regeneration.
(2) Program establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior
shall establish a program to implement reforestation projects
on priority land identified under paragraph (4)(A), in
accordance with this section.
(3) Support.--In carrying out the program established under
paragraph (2), the Secretary of the Interior may enter into--
(A) cooperative agreements in accordance with
processes established by the Secretary of the Interior;
and
(B) contracts, including contracts entered into
pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education
Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.).
(4) Annual identification of priority projects.--Not later
than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and
annually thereafter, the Secretary of the Interior shall--
(A) identify priority land within the United
States;
(B) establish a list of reforestation projects on
priority land for the upcoming year, which may include
activities to ensure adequate and appropriate seed and
seedling availability to further the objectives of
other priority projects; and
(C) estimate the costs necessary to implement the
list established under subparagraph (B).
(5) Consultation.--In carrying out the program under this
subsection, the Secretary of the Interior shall consult or
coordinate with, as appropriate--
(A) applicable State and local governments;
(B) applicable Indian Tribes;
(C) covered institutions of higher education;
(D) Federal agencies that administer Federal land
that adjoins, or is adjacent to, land that is the
subject of a project identified under paragraph (4)(B);
and
(E) other stakeholders, at the discretion of the
Secretary of the Interior.
(6) Annual report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for each of the
following 6 years, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit
to the relevant committees of Congress, the Committee on
Appropriations of the Senate, and the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report that
includes the following, with respect to the period covered by
the report:
(A) An accounting of all priority land.
(B) A list of projects identified under paragraph
(4)(B).
(C) An accounting of any progress made on projects
identified in any previous report under this paragraph.
(D) An accounting of each contract and cooperative
agreement established under the program under this
subsection.
(E) The amounts necessary to be appropriated, in
addition to amounts available from other sources, to
implement reforestation projects on all priority land
by not later than 10 years after the date of submission
of the report.
(7) Funding source report.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior
shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress, the
Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report that
describes options for dedicated Federal funding other than
annual appropriations to support existing and anticipated
reforestation needs, including seed and seedling availability.
(8) Nonduplication.--In carrying out this section, the
Secretary of the Interior shall collaborate with the Secretary
and the Secretary of Defense to ensure the nonduplication of
activities carried out under section 214.
SEC. 216. REFORESTATION, NURSERIES, AND GENETIC RESOURCES SUPPORT.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Eligible recipient.--The term ``eligible recipient''
means--
(A) a State forestry agency;
(B) an Indian Tribe; and
(C) a private nursery or seed orchard that has
experience, as determined by the Secretary, in growing
high-quality native trees or seeds of appropriate
genetic sources in bareroot or container stocktypes
specific for reforestation, restoration, or
conservation, including native plants and seeds that
are of cultural significance to Indian Tribes.
(2) Nursery.--The term ``nursery'' means a tree or native
plant nursery.
(3) Seed orchard.--The term ``seed orchard'' means a tree
or native plant seed orchard.
(b) Partnerships, Collaboration, and Other Assistance in Support of
Nurseries and Seed Orchards.--The Secretary, acting through the Chief
of the Forest Service, shall--
(1) partner with Federal and State agencies, Indian Tribes,
institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and
private nurseries to provide training, technical assistance,
and research to nursery and tree establishment programs that
support natural regeneration, reforestation, agroforestry, and
afforestation;
(2) promote information-sharing to improve technical
knowledge and practices and understand reforestation needs and
demands for seed or seedlings, climate change impacts, tree
genetics for resistance to pathogens and drought, and other
issues as necessary to address all facets of the reforestation
supply chain;
(3) provide technical and financial assistance to
international nursery and tree establishment programs through
the Forest Service International Programs, the Institute of
Pacific Islands Forestry, and the International Institute of
Tropical Forestry;
(4) collaborate with other relevant Federal departments and
agencies, including the Foreign Agricultural Service, the
United States Agency for International Development, and the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and international
organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization
of the United Nations, to provide technical and financial
assistance relating to nurseries and reforestation;
(5) coordinate the efforts of the Department of
Agriculture--
(A) to address the challenges associated with the
reforestation supply chain, including workforce
development; and
(B) to leverage economic development assistance for
work with private nurseries;
(6) expand reforestation supply chains through science and
research, seed collection and storage, workforce development,
and nursery infrastructure and operations; and
(7) shorten the timeline for the approval of permits to
collect seeds on National Forest System land.
(c) Nursery and Seed Orchard Grants.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish or expand
an existing program to provide grants to eligible recipients to
support nurseries and seed orchards.
(2) Eligible projects.--An eligible recipient that receives
a grant under paragraph (1) shall carry out a project that
comprises 1 or more of the following activities:
(A) The development, expansion, enhancement, or
improvement of nursery production capacity or other
infrastructure--
(i) to improve seed collection and storage;
(ii) to increase seedling production,
storage, and distribution; or
(iii) to enhance seedling survival and
properly manage tree genetic resources.
(B) The establishment or expansion of a nursery or
seed orchard, including by acquiring equipment for a
nursery or seed orchard.
(C) The development or implementation of quality
control measures at nurseries or seed orchards.
(D) The promotion of workforce development within
any facet of the reforestation supply chain.
(E) Such other activities as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate.
SEC. 217. FIRE DEPARTMENT REPAYMENT.
(a) Establishment of Standard Operating Procedures.--Not later than
1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries shall--
(1) establish standard operating procedures relating to
payment timelines for fire suppression cost-share agreements
established under section 2 of the Act of May 27, 1955 (42
U.S.C. 1856a) (commonly known as the ``Reciprocal Fire
Protection Act''); and
(2) with respect to each fire suppression cost-share
agreement in operation on that date--
(A) review the agreement; and
(B) modify the agreement as necessary to comply
with the standard operating procedures established
under paragraph (1).
(b) Alignment of Agreements.--The standard operating procedures
under subsection (a)(1) shall include a requirement that each fire
suppression cost-share agreement shall be aligned with each cooperative
fire protection agreement applicable to the entity subject to the fire
suppression cost-share agreement.
(c) Payments.--With respect to payments made pursuant to a fire
suppression cost-share agreement, the standard operating procedures
under subsection (a)(1) shall require that the paying entity shall
reimburse a local fire department or a State wildland firefighter
agency if that entity submits to the paying entity an invoice in
accordance with applicable cost settlement procedures.
(d) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the
Secretaries should carry out reciprocal fire suppression cost-share
agreement repayments to local fire suppression organizations and State
wildland firefighting agencies as soon as practicable, but not later
than 1 year, after the date on which the applicable fire suppression
occurs.
TITLE III--TRANSPARENCY, TECHNOLOGY, AND PARTNERSHIPS
Subtitle A--Transparency and Technology
SEC. 301. BIOCHAR INNOVATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONSERVATION,
HEALTH, AND ADVANCEMENTS IN RESEARCH.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Biochar.--The term ``biochar'' means carbonized biomass
produced by converting feedstock through reductive thermal
processing for a nonfuel use.
(2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) a unit of State or local government or Indian
Tribe;
(B) a special district;
(C) an eligible institution;
(D) a public, private, or cooperative entity or
organization;
(E) a National Laboratory (as defined in section 2
of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801));
and
(F) a partnership or consortium of 2 or more
entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (E).
(3) Eligible institution.--The term ``eligible
institution'' means a land-grant college or university,
including--
(A) an 1862 Institution (as defined in section 2 of
the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education
Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601));
(B) an 1890 Institution (as defined in that
section);
(C) an institution that is eligible to receive
funding under Public Law 87-788 (commonly known as the
``McIntire-Stennis Act of 1962''); and
(D) a 1994 Institution (as defined in section 532
of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of
1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103-382)).
(4) Feedstock.--The term ``feedstock'' means excess biomass
in the form of plant matter or materials that serves as the raw
material for the production of biochar.
(5) Secretaries.--The term ``Secretaries'' means--
(A) the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the
Forest Service;
(B) the Secretary of the Interior, acting through
the Director of the Bureau of Land Management; and
(C) the Secretary of Energy, acting through the
Director of the Office of Science.
(b) Demonstration Projects.--
(1) Establishment.--
(A) In general.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations made in advance for that purpose, not
later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretaries shall establish a program under
which the Secretaries shall enter into partnerships
with eligible entities to carry out demonstration
projects to support the development and
commercialization of biochar in accordance with this
subsection.
(B) Location.--In carrying out the program
established under subparagraph (A), the Secretaries
shall, to the maximum extent practicable, enter into
partnerships with eligible entities in a manner that
ensures that--
(i) at least 1 demonstration project is
carried out in each region of the Forest
Service; and
(ii) at least 1 demonstration project is
carried out in each region of the Bureau of
Land Management.
(2) Proposals.--To be eligible to enter into a partnership
under paragraph (1)(A), an eligible entity shall submit to the
Secretaries a proposal at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Secretaries may require.
(3) Priority.--In selecting proposals under paragraph (2),
the Secretaries shall give priority to entering into
partnerships with eligible entities that submit proposals to
carry out biochar demonstration projects that--
(A) have the most potential to improve forest
health and resiliency;
(B) have the most potential to create new jobs and
contribute to local economies, particularly in rural
areas;
(C) have the most potential to demonstrate--
(i) new and innovative uses of biochar;
(ii) market viability for cost-effective
biochar-based products;
(iii) the restorative benefits of biochar
with respect to forest health and resiliency,
including forest soils and watersheds; or
(iv) any combination of the purposes
described in clauses (i) through (iii);
(D) are located in areas that have a high need for
biochar production, as determined by the Secretaries,
due to--
(i) nearby land identified as having high,
very high, or extreme risk of wildfire;
(ii) availability of sufficient quantities
of feedstocks; or
(iii) a high level of demand for biochar or
other commercial byproducts of biochar; or
(E) satisfy any combination of the purposes
described in subparagraphs (A) through (D).
(4) Use of funds.--In carrying out the program established
under paragraph (1)(A), the Secretaries may enter into
partnerships and provide funding to the partnerships to carry
out demonstration projects--
(A) to acquire and test various feedstocks and the
efficacy of those feedstocks;
(B) to develop and optimize commercially and
technologically viable biochar production units,
including mobile and permanent units;
(C) to demonstrate--
(i) the production of biochar from forest
residue; and
(ii) the use of biochar to restore forest
health and resiliency;
(D) to build, expand, or establish biochar
facilities;
(E) to conduct research relating to new and
innovative uses of biochar;
(F) to demonstrate cost-effective market
opportunities for biochar and biochar-based products;
(G) to carry out any other activities the
Secretaries determine to be appropriate; or
(H) to achieve any combination of the purposes
described in subparagraphs (A) through (G).
(5) Feedstock requirements.--To the maximum extent
practicable, an eligible entity that carries out a biochar
demonstration project under this subsection shall derive not
less than 50 percent of the feedstock used under the project
from forest thinning and management activities, including mill
residues, conducted on National Forest System land or public
land.
(6) Review.--
(A) In general.--The Secretaries shall conduct
regionally specific research, including economic
analyses and lifecycle assessments, relating to any
biochar produced from a demonstration project carried
out under the program established under paragraph
(1)(A), including--
(i) the effects of that biochar on--
(I) forest health and resiliency;
(II) carbon sequestration,
including increasing soil carbon in the
short-term and long-term;
(III) productivity, reduced input
costs, and water retention in
agricultural practices;
(IV) the health of soil and
grasslands used for grazing activities,
including grazing activities on
National Forest System land and public
land; and
(V) environmental remediation
activities, including abandoned mine
land remediation;
(ii) the effectiveness of biochar as a
coproduct of biofuels or in biochemicals; and
(iii) the effectiveness of other potential
uses of biochar to determine if any such use is
technologically and commercially viable.
(B) Coordination.--The Secretaries, to the maximum
extent practicable, shall provide data, analyses, and
other relevant information collected under subparagraph
(A) to recipients of grants under subsection (c).
(7) Limitation on funding for establishing biochar
facilities.--The amount provided by the Secretaries under this
subsection to an eligible entity for establishing a biochar
facility may not exceed 35 percent of the total capital cost of
establishing that facility.
(c) Biochar Research and Development Grant Program.--
(1) Establishment.--The Secretary of the Interior, in
consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall establish, or
expand an existing, applied biochar research and development
grant program to provide to eligible institutions grants, on a
competitive basis, to carry out the activities described in
paragraph (3).
(2) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this subsection, an eligible institution shall submit to the
Secretary of the Interior a proposal at such time, in such
manner, and containing such information as the Secretary of the
Interior may require.
(3) Use of funds.--An eligible institution that receives a
grant under this subsection shall use the grant funds to
conduct applied research relating to--
(A) the effect of biochar on forest health and
resiliency, taking into account variations in biochar,
soil, climate, and other factors;
(B) the effect of biochar on soil health, water
retention, and air quality emissions, taking into
account variations in biochar, soil, climate, and other
factors;
(C) the long-term carbon sequestration potential of
biochar;
(D) best management practices with respect to
biochar and biochar-based products that maximize--
(i) carbon sequestration benefits; and
(ii) the commercial viability and
application of those products in forestry,
agriculture, environmental remediation, water
quality improvement, and any other similar
uses, as determined by the Secretary of the
Interior;
(E) the regional uses of biochar to increase
productivity and profitability, including--
(i) uses in agriculture and environmental
remediation; and
(ii) use as a coproduct in fuel production;
(F) new and innovative uses for biochar byproducts;
and
(G) opportunities to expand markets for biochar and
create related jobs, particularly in rural areas.
(d) Reports.--
(1) Report to congress.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries shall submit to
Congress a report that--
(A) includes policy and program recommendations to
improve the widespread use of biochar;
(B) identifies any area of research needed to
advance biochar commercialization; and
(C) identifies barriers to advancing biochar
commercialization, including permitting and siting
considerations.
(2) Materials submitted in support of president's budget.--
Beginning with the second fiscal year that begins after the
date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until
the date described in subsection (e), the Secretaries shall
include in the materials submitted to Congress in support of
the President's budget pursuant to section 1105 of title 31,
United States Code, a report describing, for the fiscal year
covered by the report, the status of--
(A) each demonstration project carried out under
subsection (b); and
(B) each research and development grant provided
under subsection (c).
(e) Sunset.--The authority to carry out this section terminates on
the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 302. ACCURATE HAZARDOUS FUELS REDUCTION REPORTS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means any land
under the jurisdiction of--
(A) the Secretary; or
(B) the Secretary of the Interior.
(2) Hazardous fuels reduction activity.--
(A) In general.--The term ``hazardous fuels
reduction activity'' means any vegetation management
activity to reduce the risk of wildfire, including
mechanical treatments, grazing, and prescribed burning.
(B) Exclusion.--The term ``hazardous fuels
reduction activity'' does not include the awarding of a
contract to conduct an activity described in
subparagraph (A).
(b) Materials Submitted in Support of President's Budget.--
(1) In general.--Beginning with the first fiscal year that
begins after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually
thereafter, the Secretary concerned shall include in the
materials submitted to Congress in support of the President's
budget pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States
Code, a report describing the number of acres of Federal land
on which the Secretary concerned carried out hazardous fuels
reduction activities during the preceding fiscal year, as
determined using--
(A) the methodology of the Secretary concerned in
effect on the day before the date of enactment of this
Act; and
(B) the methodology described in paragraph (2).
(2) Requirements.--For purposes of a report required under
paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall--
(A) in determining the number of acres of Federal
land on which the Secretary concerned carried out
hazardous fuels reduction activities during the period
covered by the report--
(i) record acres of Federal land on which
hazardous fuels reduction activities were
completed during that period; and
(ii) record each acre described in clause
(i) once in the report, regardless of whether
multiple hazardous fuels reduction activities
were carried out on that acre during the
applicable period; and
(B) with respect to the acres of Federal land
recorded in the report, include information relating
to--
(i) which acres are located in the
wildland-urban interface;
(ii) the level of hazard potential of the
acres on the first and last day of the period
covered by the report;
(iii) the types of hazardous fuels
reduction activities completed with respect to
the acres, including a description of whether
those hazardous fuels reduction activities were
conducted--
(I) in a wildfire managed for
resource benefits; or
(II) through a planned hazardous
fuels reduction project;
(iv) the cost per-acre of the hazardous
fuels reduction activities carried out during
the period covered by the report;
(v) the region or System unit in which the
acres are located; and
(vi) the effectiveness of the hazardous
fuels reduction activities with respect to
reducing the risk of wildfire.
(3) Transparency.--The Secretary concerned shall make each
report submitted under paragraph (1) publicly available on the
website of the Department of Agriculture or the Department of
the Interior, as applicable.
(c) Accurate Data Collection.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall implement
standardized procedures for tracking data relating to hazardous
fuels reduction activities carried out by the Secretary
concerned.
(2) Elements.--The standardized procedures required under
paragraph (1) shall include--
(A) regular, standardized data reviews of the
accuracy and timely input of data used to track
hazardous fuels reduction activities;
(B) verification methods that validate whether
those data accurately correlate to the hazardous fuels
reduction activities carried out by the Secretary
concerned;
(C) an analysis of the short- and long-term
effectiveness of the hazardous fuels reduction
activities on reducing the risk of wildfire; and
(D) for hazardous fuels reduction activities that
occur partially within the wildland-urban interface,
methods to distinguish which acres are located within
the wildland-urban interface and which acres are
located outside the wildland-urban interface.
(3) Report.--Not later than 45 days after implementing the
standardized procedures required under paragraph (1), the
Secretary concerned shall submit to Congress a report that
describes--
(A) the standardized procedures; and
(B) any programmatic or policy recommendations to
Congress to address limitations in tracking data
relating to hazardous fuels reduction activities under
this subsection.
(d) GAO Study.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall--
(1) conduct a study regarding the implementation of this
section, including any limitations with respect to--
(A) reporting hazardous fuels reduction activities
under subsection (b); or
(B) tracking data relating to hazardous fuels
reduction activities under subsection (c); and
(2) submit to Congress a report that describes the results
of the study under paragraph (1).
(e) No Additional Funds Authorized.--
(1) In general.--No additional funds are authorized to
carry out this section.
(2) Subject to appropriations.--The activities authorized
by this section are subject to the availability of
appropriations made in advance for those purposes.
SEC. 303. PUBLIC-PRIVATE WILDFIRE TECHNOLOGY DEPLOYMENT AND
DEMONSTRATION PARTNERSHIP.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered agency.--The term ``covered agency'' means--
(A) each Federal land management agency (as defined
in section 802 of the Federal Lands Recreation
Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801));
(B) the Department of Defense;
(C) the Bureau of Indian Affairs;
(D) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration;
(E) the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
(F) the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration;
(G) the United States Fire Administration;
(H) the General Services Administration;
(I) a State, Tribal, county, or municipal fire
department, fire district, land management agency,
natural resources agency, or equivalent agency
operating through the United States Fire Administration
or pursuant to an agreement with a Federal agency; and
(J) any other Federal agency involved in wildfire
response.
(2) Covered entity.--The term ``covered entity'' means--
(A) a private entity;
(B) a nonprofit organization; and
(C) an institution of higher education (as defined
in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001)).
(3) Pilot program.--The term ``Pilot Program'' means the
deployment and demonstration pilot program established under
subsection (b).
(b) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Executive Director shall establish a
deployment and demonstration pilot program for new and innovative
wildfire prevention, detection, communication, response, and mitigation
technologies.
(c) Functions.--In carrying out the Pilot Program, the Executive
Director shall--
(1) consult with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group;
(2) in consultation with the heads of the covered agencies,
identify and advance the demonstration and deployment of key
technology priority areas, including for mature and
commercially available technologies, with respect to the
deployment of wildfire prevention, detection, communication,
and mitigation technologies, including--
(A) innovations in hazardous fuels reduction
activities or treatments, including the use of
prescribed or cultural fire;
(B) spatial planning for unplanned human-caused
ignitions;
(C) wildfire modeling and effectiveness algorithms;
(D) dispatch communications;
(E) remote sensing, detection, and tracking;
(F) safety equipment;
(G) common operating pictures or operational
dashboards;
(H) interoperable commercial data;
(I) autonomous suppression systems;
(J) grid resilience;
(K) community resilience and home hardening; and
(L) prioritization and decision support tools;
(3) connect each covered entity selected to participate in
the Pilot Program with the appropriate covered agency to
coordinate real-time and on-the-ground testing of technology
during wildfire mitigation activities and training;
(4) define clear criteria for evaluating the success of
technologies (including mature and commercially available
technologies) demonstrated under the Pilot Program, focusing on
effectiveness, scalability, and cost-efficiency; and
(5) coordinate with covered agencies to ensure the
efficient deployment of scaled technologies, including through
expanded public-private partnerships, multiagency contracting
for procurement, and authorization of covered agency staff with
technological procurement expertise to assist other covered
agencies in need of that expertise.
(d) Applications.--To be eligible to participate in the Pilot
Program, a covered entity shall submit to the Executive Director an
application at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Executive Director may require, including a proposal
to demonstrate technologies specific to key technology priority areas
identified under subsection (c)(2).
(e) Existing Partnerships.--
(1) In general.--A covered agency may submit a statement to
the Executive Director describing the effectiveness,
scalability, and cost-efficiency of an existing partnership,
pilot project, or contract a covered entity providing a
technology described in subsection (c)(2).
(2) Successfulness.--The Executive Director may deem a
technology described in a statement submitted under paragraph
(1) to be a successful technology for purposes of this section.
(f) Outreach.--The Executive Director, in coordination with the
heads of the covered agencies, shall make publicly available the key
technology priority areas identified under subsection (c)(2) and invite
covered entities to apply under subsection (d) to deploy and
demonstrate technologies to address those priority areas.
(g) Reports and Recommendations.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of establishment of the Pilot Program, and annually thereafter for
the duration of the Pilot Program, the Executive Director shall submit
to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives, and the relevant committees of Congress a report that
includes the following with respect to the Pilot Program:
(1) A brief description of potential technologies deployed
and demonstrated.
(2) An estimate of the cost of acquiring each such
technology and applying the technology at scale.
(3) Outreach efforts by covered agencies to covered
entities developing wildfire technologies.
(4) Assessments of, and recommendations relating to, new
technologies with potential adoption and application at-scale
in the wildfire prevention, detection, communication, and
mitigation efforts of Federal land management agencies (as
defined in section 802 of the Federal Lands Recreation
Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801)).
(5) A description of the relationship and coordination
between the Pilot Program and the activities of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including the Fire
Weather Testbed.
(6) Barriers and solutions for procurement of technologies
by covered agencies.
(h) Sunset.--The Pilot Program terminates on the date that is 7
years after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 304. GAO STUDY ON FOREST SERVICE POLICIES.
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall--
(1) conduct a study evaluating--
(A) the effectiveness of Forest Service wildland
firefighting operations;
(B) transparency and accountability measures in the
budget and accounting process of the Forest Service;
and
(C) the suitability and feasibility of establishing
a new Federal agency with responsibility for responding
to, and suppressing, wildfires on Federal land; and
(2) submit to Congress a report that describes the results
of the study under paragraph (1).
SEC. 305. KEEPING FOREST PLANS CURRENT AND MONITORED.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall--
(1) to the maximum extent practicable and subject to the
availability of appropriations--
(A) ensure that each forest plan for a unit of the
National Forest System is in compliance with the
applicable requirements of section 6(f)(5)(A) of the
Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act
of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604(f)(5)(A)); and
(B) prioritize revising any forest plan not in
compliance with that section;
(2) not be considered to be in violation of section
6(f)(5)(A) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources
Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604(f)(5)(A)) solely because
more than 15 years have passed without revision of the plan for
a unit of the National Forest System;
(3) not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, submit to the relevant committees of Congress a
notice describing the date on which each forest plan referred
to in paragraph (1)(A) was most recently revised, amended, or
otherwise modified;
(4) seek to publish a new, complete version of any forest
plan that the Secretary has been directed by court order to
amend, revise, or modify by not later than 60 days after the
date of the amendment, revision, or modification, subject to
the availability of appropriations made in advance for that
purpose; and
(5) maintain a central, publicly accessible website with
links to--
(A) the most recently available forest plan
adopted, amended, or modified by a court order as a
single document; and
(B) the most recently published forest plan
monitoring report for the administrative unit.
(b) Good Faith Updates.--If the Secretary fails to act
expeditiously and in good faith using available funding to revise,
amend, or modify a plan for a unit of the National Forest System as
required by an applicable law or court order--
(1) subsection (a) shall be void with respect to the plan;
and
(2) a court of competent jurisdiction may order completion
of the plan on an accelerated basis.
(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the relevant committees of
Congress a report summarizing the implementation of this section.
(d) Sunset.--The authority under this section terminates on
September 30, 2031.
SEC. 306. CONTAINER AERIAL FIREFIGHTING SYSTEM.
(a) Evaluation.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretaries, in consultation with the National
Interagency Aviation Committee and the Interagency Airtanker Board,
shall jointly conduct an evaluation of the container aerial
firefighting system to assess the use of that system to mitigate and
suppress wildfires.
(b) Report.--Not later than 30 days after the date of completion of
the evaluation under subsection (a), the Secretaries, in consultation
with the National Interagency Aviation Committee and the Interagency
Airtanker Board, shall jointly submit to the relevant committees of
Congress a report that describes the results of the evaluation under
subsection (a).
SEC. 307. STUDY ON PINE BEETLE INFESTATION.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall--
(1) carry out a study relating to the causes and effects
of, and solutions for, the infestation of pine beetles in the
Northeastern region of the United States; and
(2) submit to the relevant committees of Congress a report
that describes the results of the study under paragraph (1).
SEC. 308. STUDY ON WILDFIRE SMOKE.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretaries, in coordination with the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency, shall conduct and publish a study--
(1) reviewing the 2 most recent international arrangements
between the Secretaries and the Department of Natural Resources
of Canada concerning the exchange of wildland fire management
resources;
(2) describing the wildland fire management resources
exchanged under the international arrangements described in
paragraph (1);
(3) evaluating the effectiveness of the international
arrangements described in paragraph (1) in reducing wildfire
smoke in the United States; and
(4) making recommendations on best practices to be used in
international arrangements to reduce international wildfire
smoke.
Subtitle B--White Oak Resilience
SEC. 311. WHITE OAK RESTORATION INITIATIVE COALITION.
(a) In General.--There is established a coalition, to be known as
the ``White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition'' (referred to in this
section as the ``Coalition'')--
(1) as a voluntary collaborative group of Federal, State,
and local governments, Indian Tribes, and private and
nongovernmental organizations the purpose of which is to carry
out the duties described in subsection (b); and
(2) in accordance with the charter entitled ``White Oak
Initiative Coalition Charter'' adopted by the White Oak
Initiative Board of Directors on March 21, 2023 (or a successor
charter).
(b) Duties.--In addition to the duties specified in the charter
referred to in subsection (a)(2), the duties of the Coalition are--
(1) to coordinate Federal, State, Tribal, local, private,
and nongovernmental activities for the restoration of white oak
trees and forests that support white oak trees in the United
States; and
(2) to make program and policy recommendations, consistent
with applicable forest management plans, with respect to--
(A) changes necessary to address Federal and State
policies that impede activities to improve the health,
resiliency, and natural regeneration of white oak
trees;
(B) adopting or modifying Federal and State
policies to increase the pace and scale of white oak
regeneration and the resiliency of white oak trees;
(C) options to enhance communication, coordination,
and collaboration among forest land owners,
particularly with respect to cross-boundary projects,
to improve the health, resiliency, and natural
regeneration of white oak trees;
(D) research gaps that should be addressed to
improve the best available science on white oaks;
(E) outreach to forest landowners the land of which
possesses white oak trees or white oak regeneration
potential, as determined by the Coalition; and
(F) options and policies necessary to improve the
quality and quantity of white oak trees in tree
nurseries.
(c) Administrative, Staffing, and Technical Support.--The
Secretaries shall make available to the Coalition such personnel for
administrative support, technical services, and the development and
dissemination of educational materials as those Secretaries determine
to be necessary to carry out this section.
(d) Private Funding.--Subject to the availability of appropriations
made in advance for that purpose, the Secretary may make funds
available to the Coalition to carry out this section from the account
established pursuant to section 1241(f) of the Food Security Act of
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(f)).
SEC. 312. FOREST SERVICE PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the
Forest Service, shall establish and carry out 5 pilot projects in units
of the National Forest System to restore white oak trees in those units
through white oak restoration and natural regeneration practices that
are consistent with applicable forest management plans.
(b) Requirement.--Of the pilot projects carried out under
subsection (a), not fewer than 3 shall be carried out on units of the
National Forest System that are reserved or withdrawn from the public
domain.
(c) Cooperative Agreements.--The Secretary may enter into
cooperative agreements to carry out the pilot projects under this
section.
(d) Sunset.--The authority under this section terminates on the
date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 313. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WHITE OAK REVIEW AND RESTORATION.
(a) Assessment.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Interior shall carry
out an assessment of land under the administrative jurisdiction
of the Department of the Interior, including fish and wildlife
refuges and abandoned mine land, to evaluate--
(A) whether white oak trees are present on the
land; and
(B) the potential to restore white oak forests on
the land.
(2) Use of information.--In carrying out the assessment
under paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Interior may use
information from sources other than the Department of the
Interior, including the White Oak Initiative and the Forest
Service.
(3) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall
submit to Congress, and make publicly available on the website
of the Department of the Interior, a report describing the
results of the assessment carried out under this subsection.
(b) Pilot Projects.--After the date of submission of the report
under subsection (a)(3), the Secretary of the Interior shall establish
and carry out 5 pilot projects in different areas of land described in
subsection (a)(1) to restore and naturally regenerate white oak trees.
(c) Cooperative Agreements.--The Secretary of the Interior may
enter into cooperative agreements to carry out the pilot projects under
subsection (b).
(d) Sunset.--The authority under this section terminates on the
date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 314. WHITE OAK REGENERATION AND UPLAND OAK HABITAT.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a nonregulatory
program, to be known as the ``White Oak and Upland Oak Habitat
Regeneration Program'' (referred to in this section as the
``Program'').
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Program shall include--
(1) coordinating restoration and conservation activities
among Federal, State, and local entities, Indian Tribes, and
conservation partners to address white oak restoration
priorities;
(2) improving and regenerating white oak and upland oak
forests and the wildlife habitat such forests provide;
(3) carrying out coordinated restoration and conservation
activities that lead to the increased growth of species of
white oak in native white oak regions;
(4) facilitating strategic planning to maximize the
resilience of white oak systems and habitats under changing
climate conditions;
(5) engaging the public through outreach, education, and
citizen involvement to increase capacity and support for
coordinated restoration and conservation activities for species
of white oak; and
(6) increasing scientific capacity to support the planning,
monitoring, and research activities necessary to carry out such
coordinated restoration and conservation activities.
(c) Consultation.--In establishing the Program, the Secretary,
acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall consult with--
(1) the heads of Federal agencies, including--
(A) the Director of the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service; and
(B) the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation
Service;
(2) the Governor of each State in which restoration efforts
will be carried out pursuant to the Program; and
(3) Indian Tribes.
(d) Duties.--In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall--
(1) draw on the best available science and management plans
for species of white oak to identify, prioritize, and implement
restoration and conservation activities that will improve the
growth of white oak trees in the United States;
(2) collaborate and coordinate with the White Oak
Restoration Initiative Coalition established by section 311(a)
to prioritize white oak restoration initiatives;
(3) adopt a white oak restoration strategy that--
(A) supports the implementation of a shared set of
science-based restoration and conservation activities
developed in accordance with paragraph (1);
(B) targets cost-effective projects with measurable
results; and
(C) maximizes restoration outcomes with no net gain
of Federal full-time equivalent employees; and
(4) establish voluntary grant and technical assistance
programs in accordance with subsection (e).
(e) Grants and Assistance.--
(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
(A) Foundation.--The term ``Foundation'' means the
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
(B) Grant program.--The term ``grant program''
means the voluntary grant and technical assistance
program established under paragraph (2).
(2) Establishment.--To the extent that funds are available
to carry out this section, the Secretary shall establish a
voluntary grant and technical assistance program to achieve the
purposes of the Program described in subsection (b).
(3) Administration.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall offer to enter
into a cooperative agreement with the Foundation to
manage and administer the grant program.
(B) Funding.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations made in advance for that purpose, on
entering into a cooperative agreement with the
Foundation under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall
pay to the Foundation to carry out this subsection for
each fiscal year an advance payment of the entire
amount for the applicable fiscal year--
(i) on October 1 of that fiscal year; or
(ii) as soon as practicable thereafter.
(4) Application of national fish and wildlife foundation
establishment act.--Amounts received by the Foundation to carry
out the grant program shall be subject to the National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act (16 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.),
excluding section 10(a) of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3709(a)).
(f) Sunset.--The authority under this section terminates on the
date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 315. TREE NURSERY SHORTAGES.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest
Service, shall--
(1) develop and implement a national strategy to increase
the capacity of Federal, State, and private tree nurseries and
tree nurseries of Indian Tribes to address the nationwide
shortage of tree seedlings; and
(2) coordinate the strategy under paragraph (1) with--
(A) the national reforestation strategy of the
Forest Service; and
(B) each regional implementation plan for National
Forests.
(b) Elements.--The strategy required under subsection (a) shall--
(1) be based on the best available science and data,
including the consideration of Indigenous knowledge; and
(2) identify and address--
(A) regional seedling shortages of bareroot and
container tree seedlings;
(B) regional reforestation opportunities and the
seedling supply necessary to fulfill those
opportunities;
(C) opportunities to enhance seedling diversity,
improve quality, quantity, genetic resources, and
availability, and close gaps in seed inventories; and
(D) barriers to expanding, enhancing, or creating
new infrastructure to increase nursery capacity.
SEC. 316. WHITE OAK RESEARCH.
(a) Definition of Eligible Institution.--In this section, the term
``eligible institution'' means an institution of higher education,
including an 1862 Institution, an 1890 Institution, and a 1994
Institution (as those terms are defined in section 2 of the
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7
U.S.C. 7601)).
(b) Research.--The Secretary may enter into a memorandum of
understanding with an Indian Tribe or an eligible institution to
collaboratively conduct research relating to--
(1) white oak genes with resistance or tolerance to stress;
(2) white oak trees that exhibit heritable vigor for the
purpose of increasing survival and growth;
(3) establishing a genetically diverse white oak seed bank
capable of responding to stressors;
(4) providing a sustainable supply of white oak seedlings
and genetic resources;
(5) improved methods for aligning seed sources with the
future climate at planting sites;
(6) reforestation of white oak trees through natural and
artificial regeneration;
(7) improved methods for retaining and increasing white oak
trees in forests;
(8) improved methods for reforesting abandoned mine land
sites; and
(9) economic and social aspects of white oak forest
management across land ownerships.
(c) Consultation.--In carrying out research under subsection (b),
an Indian Tribe or eligible institution may consult with such States,
nonprofit organizations, and other institutions of higher education and
scientific entities as the Indian Tribe or eligible institution
determines to be appropriate.
(d) Sunset.--The authority under this section terminates on the
date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 317. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE.
(a) Partnerships.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the Director
of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, shall enter
into a partnership with an eligible entity described in
paragraph (2) to conduct research on improving white oak
species resiliency, health, and preservation, including
research on--
(A) population-scale sequencing;
(B) stress response traits;
(C) seedling physiology and performance; and
(D) white oak product development.
(2) Eligible entity.--
(A) In general.--An eligible entity referred to in
paragraph (1) is a land-grant college or university
described in subparagraph (B) that has demonstrated--
(i) scientific expertise relating to white
oak;
(ii) the ability to rapidly transfer
technologies to the stave industry;
(iii) geographic proximity to concentrated
areas of white oak; and
(iv) support for regional economic
development.
(B) Land-grant colleges and universities.--A land-
grant college or university referred to in subparagraph
(A) is--
(i) an 1862 Institution (as defined in
section 2 of the Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7
U.S.C. 7601));
(ii) an 1890 Institution (as defined in
that section); or
(iii) a 1994 Institution (as defined in
section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-
Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note;
Public Law 103-382)).
(b) Priorities.--The Secretary, acting through the Director of the
National Institute of Food and Agriculture, shall prioritize research
relating to the resistance of white oak to disease, pest, heat, and
drought in cultivated, new, and old-growth white oak timber stands.
SEC. 318. USDA FORMAL INITIATIVE.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the
Natural Resources Conservation Service and in coordination with the
Chief of the Forest Service, shall establish a formal initiative on
white oak trees--
(1) to reestablish white oak forests where appropriate;
(2) to improve the management of existing white oak forests
to foster natural regeneration of white oak trees;
(3) to provide technical assistance to private landowners
to reestablish, improve the management of, and naturally
regenerate white oak trees;
(4) to improve and expand white oak nursery stock; and
(5) to adapt and improve white oak seedlings.
(b) Sunset.--The authority under this section terminates on the
date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 319. USE OF AUTHORITIES.
To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretaries shall use the
authorities provided under this title in combination with other
authorities to carry out projects, including--
(1) good neighbor agreements entered into under section
8206 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a) (as
amended by this Act); and
(2) stewardship contracting projects entered into under
section 604 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
U.S.C. 6591c) (as amended by this Act).
TITLE IV--ENSURING CASUALTY ASSISTANCE FOR FIREFIGHTERS
SEC. 401. WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT CASUALTY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Next-of-kin.--The term ``next-of-kin'', with respect to
an individual, means a person in the highest category of
priority in relation to that individual, as determined in
accordance with the following (in descending order of
priority):
(A) A legal spouse of the individual.
(B) A child (whether by current or prior marriage)
aged 18 years or older of the individual, in descending
order of precedence by age.
(C) The father or mother of the individual, unless
custody has been vested by court order in another
individual, with an adoptive parent taking precedence
over a natural parent.
(D) A sibling (whether whole or half) aged 18 years
or older of the individual, in descending order of
precedence by age.
(E) A grandfather or grandmother of the individual.
(F) Any other relative of the individual, with the
order of precedence to be determined in accordance with
the civil laws of descent of the State of domicile of
the individual at time of death.
(2) Program.--The term ``program'' means the Wildland Fire
Management Casualty Assistance Program established under
subsection (b).
(b) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall establish a
program, to be known as the ``Wildland Fire Management Casualty
Assistance Program'', to provide assistance to the next-of-kin of--
(1) firefighters who, while in the line of duty--
(A) are killed;
(B) require hospitalization or treatment at a
medical facility due to a critical injury; or
(C) suffer illness as a result of an exposure or
incident occurring during that line of duty; and
(2) wildland fire support personnel who are killed or
require hospitalization or treatment at a medical facility due
to a critical injury in the line of duty.
(c) Elements.--The program shall address each of the following:
(1) The initial, and any subsequent, notification to the
next-of-kin of firefighters or wildland fire support personnel
who--
(A) are killed in the line of duty; or
(B) require hospitalization or treatment at a
medical facility due to a critical injury or illness in
the line of duty.
(2) The reimbursement of next-of-kin for expenses
associated with travel to visit firefighters or wildland fire
support personnel who--
(A) are killed in the line of duty; or
(B) require hospitalization or treatment at a
medical facility due to a critical injury or illness in
the line of duty.
(3) The qualifications, assignment, training, duties,
supervision, and accountability for the performance of casualty
assistance responsibilities.
(4) The relief or transfer of casualty assistance officers,
including notification to survivors of critical injury or
illness in the line of duty of the reassignment of those
officers to other duties.
(5) Centralized short-term and long-term case management
procedures for casualty assistance, including rapid access to
expert case managers and counselors by--
(A) survivors of firefighters or wildland fire
support personnel; and
(B) casualty assistance officers.
(6) The provision, through a computer-accessible website
and other means and at no cost to survivors or next-of-kin of
firefighters or wildland fire support personnel, of
personalized, integrated information relating to Federal
benefits and Federal financial assistance available to those
survivors and next-of-kin.
(7) The provision to survivors and next-of-kin of
firefighters or wildland fire support personnel of information
relating to mechanisms for registering complaints about, or
requests for, additional assistance related to casualty
assistance.
(8) Liaison with the Department of Agriculture, the
Department of Justice, and the Social Security Administration
to ensure prompt and accurate resolution of issues relating to
benefits administered by those agencies for survivors of
firefighters or wildland fire support personnel.
(9) Data collection, in consultation with the United States
Fire Administration and the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health, regarding the incidence and quality of
casualty assistance provided to survivors and next-of-kin of
firefighters or wildland fire support personnel.
(d) No Effect on Other Line-of-duty Death Benefits.--The program
shall not affect any existing authority for line-of-duty death benefits
for Federal firefighters or wildland fire support personnel.
TITLE V--OTHER MATTERS
SEC. 501. USE OF FUNDS FROM COOPERATIVE FUNDS AGREEMENTS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Cooperative funds agreement.--The term ``cooperative
funds agreement'' means an agreement under--
(A) the Act of June 30, 1914 (commonly known as the
``Cooperative Funds Act'') (16 U.S.C. 498); or
(B) section 1 of the Act of March 3, 1925 (16
U.S.C. 572).
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary,
acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.
(b) Treatment.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
notwithstanding any other provision of law, regulation, or
agency decision, the Secretary shall fulfill the obligations of
the Federal Government with respect to each cooperative funds
agreement in effect on or after the date of enactment of this
Act.
(2) Exceptions.--The Secretary may waive the applicability
of paragraph (1) to a cooperative funds agreement if--
(A) the Secretary determines that 1 or more parties
to the cooperative funds agreement have not fulfilled
the obligations of the parties under the cooperative
funds agreement; or
(B) fulfilling the obligations of the Federal
Government with respect to the cooperative funds
agreement would violate section 1341 of title 31,
United States Code.
(c) Limitations.--
(1) Federal employees.--A Federal employee (including
seasonal, permanent seasonal, and temporary employees) hired
using funds provided under a cooperative funds agreement shall
not, for the duration of the cooperative funds agreement, be
subject to--
(A) any limitation on hiring (commonly referred to
as a ``hiring freeze'');
(B) any reduction in force; or
(C) any deferred resignation or voluntary early
retirement program.
(2) Non-federal funds.--The non-Federal funds provided to
the Secretary pursuant to a cooperative funds agreement shall
not be subject to any limitation on spending.
SEC. 502. EMERGENCY FOREST WATERSHED PROGRAM.
(a) Funding and Administration.--Section 404(b) of the Agricultural
Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2204(b)) is amended by inserting ``to
carry out section 401'' after ``for a fiscal year''.
(b) Emergency Forest Watershed Program.--Title IV of the
Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2201 et seq.) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 408. EMERGENCY FOREST WATERSHED PROGRAM.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Emergency watershed protection measures.--The term
`emergency watershed protection measures' means measures that--
``(A) are necessary to address runoff, soil
erosion, and flooding caused by a natural disaster or
any other natural occurrence that has caused a sudden
impairment to natural resources on National Forest
System land, and the damage, if not treated--
``(i) would significantly impair or
endanger the natural resources on the National
Forest System land; and
``(ii) would pose an immediate risk to
water resources or loss of life or property in
connection to a sudden impairment of a National
Forest System watershed or downstream of the
National Forest System land or waterways; and
``(B) would maintain or restore forest health and
forest-related resources on the National Forest System
land.
``(2) Natural disaster.--The term `natural disaster' has
the meaning given the term in section 407(a).
``(3) Sponsor.--The term `sponsor' means--
``(A) a State or local government;
``(B) an Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of
the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance
Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)); and
``(C) a water district, water conservation
district, water utility, or special district.
``(b) Authorization.--The Secretary, acting through a sponsor, is
authorized to undertake emergency watershed protection measures on
National Forest System land.
``(c) Agreements; Payments.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding chapter 63 of title 31,
United States Code, the Secretary may enter into an agreement
with a sponsor and make payments to the sponsor, on request of
the sponsor, to carry out emergency watershed protection
measures.
``(2) Requirements.--
``(A) Project timelines.--
``(i) In general.--Following a natural
disaster or natural occurrence that
necessitates the carrying out of emergency
watershed protection measures, the Secretary
shall execute agreements under paragraph (1) as
expeditiously as possible.
``(ii) Timeline.--Each agreement under
paragraph (1) shall include a timeline by which
the sponsor shall complete all emergency
watershed protection measures during the 2-year
period following the conclusion of the
applicable natural disaster or natural
occurrence, as determined by the Secretary,
that necessitated the carrying out of those
measures.
``(iii) Continued monitoring.--A sponsor
that has entered into an agreement under
paragraph (1) may monitor, maintain, repair, or
replace emergency watershed protection measures
for a period of not more than 3 years following
the conclusion of the natural disaster or
natural occurrence, as determined by the
Secretary, that necessitated the carrying out
of those measures when failure to do so would
result in unacceptable risk to National Forest
System land or downstream water users.
``(B) Payments.--The Secretary, in accordance with
an agreement entered into under paragraph (1)--
``(i) may make partial payments prior to
completion of the applicable project; and
``(ii) shall make final payment for the
project not later than 30 days after the date
on which the project is completed.
``(d) Waived Matching Requirements.--The Secretary shall waive any
matching requirements for payments made under subsection (c)(1).
``(e) Liability.--
``(1) In general.--A sponsor that carries out emergency
watershed protection measures pursuant to an agreement under
subsection (c)(1) shall not be required to indemnify the United
States for any liability resulting from carrying out emergency
watershed protection measures pursuant to that agreement.
``(2) Savings provision.--Nothing in this subsection
precludes liability for damages or costs relating to the
carrying out of emergency watershed protection measures by a
sponsor pursuant to an agreement entered into under subsection
(c)(1) if the sponsor acted with willful or wanton negligence
or reckless conduct in carrying out those measures.
``(f) Assumption of Risk.--A sponsor that carries out emergency
watershed protection measures prior to entering into an agreement under
subsection (c)(1) shall assume the risk of incurring any cost or
liability resulting from carrying out those measures.''.
SEC. 503. IMPROVING THE EMERGENCY CONSERVATION PROGRAM.
Section 401 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2201)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``and
Other Emergency Conservation Measures'' after
``Fencing'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting ``or for other emergency
measures to replace or restore farmland or
conservation structures requiring an immediate
response (as determined by the Secretary),''
after ``replacement of fencing,''; and
(ii) by striking ``option of receiving''
and all that follows through the period at the
end and inserting the following: ``option of
receiving, before the agricultural producer
carries out the repair, replacement, or
restoration--
``(A) with respect to a payment to the agricultural
producer for a replacement, 75 percent of the cost of
the replacement, as determined by the Secretary; and
``(B) with respect to a payment to the agricultural
producer for a repair or restoration, 50 percent of the
cost of the repair or restoration, as determined by the
Secretary.''; and
(C) in paragraph (2), by striking ``60-day'' and
inserting ``180-day''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Wildfire Determination.--A wildfire that causes damage
eligible for a payment under subsection (a) includes--
``(1) a wildfire that is not caused naturally, if the
damage is caused by the spread of the wildfire due to natural
causes; and
``(2) a wildfire that is caused by the Federal
Government.''.
SEC. 504. IMPROVING THE EMERGENCY FOREST RESTORATION PROGRAM.
Section 407 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2206)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``wildfires,'' and
inserting ``wildfires (including a wildfire that is not caused
naturally, if the damage is caused by the spread of the
wildfire due to natural causes, and a wildfire that is caused
by the Federal Government),'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
``(e) Advance Payments.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall give an owner of
nonindustrial private forest land the option of receiving,
before the owner carries out emergency measures under this
section, not more than 75 percent of the cost of the emergency
measures, as determined by the Secretary.
``(2) Return of funds.--If the funds provided under
paragraph (1) are not expended by the end of the 180-day period
beginning on the date on which the owner of nonindustrial
private forest land receives those funds, the funds shall be
returned within a reasonable timeframe, as determined by the
Secretary.''.
SEC. 505. ESTABLISHMENT OF A UNIFIED DISASTER ASSISTANCE INTAKE PROCESS
AND SYSTEM.
The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
(42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 707. ESTABLISHMENT OF A UNIFIED DISASTER ASSISTANCE INTAKE
PROCESS AND SYSTEM.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Administrator.--The term `Administrator' means the
Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
``(2) Applicant.--The term `applicant' means--
``(A) an individual, business, or organization that
applies for disaster assistance from a disaster
assistance program;
``(B) an individual, business, or organization on
behalf of which an individual described in subparagraph
(A) applies for disaster assistance from a disaster
assistance program; and
``(C) an individual, business, or organization that
seeks assistance as a beneficiary of a State, local
government, or Indian tribal government that received
assistance under a disaster assistance program.
``(3) Disaster assistance agency.--The term `disaster
assistance agency' means--
``(A) the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and
``(B) any Federal agency that provides disaster
assistance to individuals, businesses, organizations,
States, local governments, Indian tribal governments,
communities, or organizations that the Administrator
certifies as a disaster assistance agency in accordance
with subsection (f) to carry out the purposes of a
disaster assistance program.
``(4) Disaster assistance information.--The term `disaster
assistance information' includes any personal, biographical,
demographic, geographical, financial, application decision, or
other information that a disaster assistance agency, or a
recipient of a Federal block grant from a disaster assistance
agency, is authorized to collect, maintain, disclose, or use
to--
``(A) process an application for disaster
assistance from a disaster assistance program; or
``(B) otherwise carry out the purpose of a disaster
assistance program.
``(5) Disaster assistance program.--The term `disaster
assistance program' means--
``(A) a program that provides disaster assistance
to individuals and households under title IV or V in
accordance with sections 408 and 502; or
``(B) any other assistance program authorized by a
Federal statute or funded with Federal appropriations
under which a disaster assistance agency awards or
distributes disaster assistance to an individual,
household, or organization, or provides a Federal block
grant for these purposes, that arises from a major
disaster or emergency declared under section 401 or
501, respectively, including--
``(i) disaster assistance;
``(ii) long-term disaster recovery
assistance;
``(iii) the post-disaster restoration of
infrastructure and housing;
``(iv) post-disaster economic
revitalization;
``(v) a loan authorized under section 7(b)
of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(b));
and
``(vi) food benefit allotments under
section 412 of this Act and section 5(h) of the
Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2014(h)).
``(6) Record.--The term `record' has the meaning given the
term in section 552a of title 5, United States Code.
``(b) Unified Disaster Assistance Intake Process and System.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 360 days after the date
of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall, in
consultation with appropriate Federal, State, local, and Indian
tribal governments and entities, develop and establish a
unified intake process and system for applicants for disaster
assistance provided by a disaster assistance agency to--
``(A) facilitate a consolidated application for any
form of disaster assistance provided by a disaster
assistance agency when appropriate to support the
nature and purposes of the assistance;
``(B) carry out the purposes of disaster assistance
programs swiftly, efficiently, equitably, and in
accordance with applicable laws and privacy and data
protections; and
``(C) support the detection, prevention, and
investigation of waste, fraud, abuse, or discrimination
in the administration of disaster assistance programs.
``(2) Capabilities of the consolidated application
system.--The unified intake process and system established
under paragraph (1) shall--
``(A) accept applications for disaster assistance
programs;
``(B) allow for applicants to receive status
updates on applications for disaster assistance
programs;
``(C) allow for applicants to update disaster
assistance information throughout the recovery journeys
of those applicants;
``(D) allow for the distribution of information on
additional recovery resources to disaster survivors
that may be available in a disaster-stricken
jurisdiction, in coordination with appropriate Federal,
State, local, and Tribal partners;
``(E) provide disaster survivors with information
and documentation on the applications of those disaster
survivors for a disaster assistance program;
``(F) allow for the distribution of application
data to support faster and more effective distribution
of Federal disaster assistance, including block grant
assistance, for disaster recovery;
``(G) allow for disaster assistance agencies to
communicate directly with disaster survivors; and
``(H) contain other capabilities determined
necessary by the heads of disaster assistance agencies.
``(3) Updates.--Not later than 30 days after the date on
which the Administrator receives a request from a disaster
assistance agency to update questions in the consolidated
application described in paragraph (1) needed to administer the
disaster assistance programs of the disaster assistance agency,
the Administrator shall make those updates.
``(c) Authorities of Administrator.--The Administrator may--
``(1) collect, maintain, disclose, and use disaster
assistance information, including such information received
from any disaster assistance agency, with any other disaster
assistance agency for purposes of subsection (b)(1); and
``(2) subject to subsection (d), authorize the collection,
maintenance, disclosure, and use of disaster assistance
information collected on or after the date of enactment of this
section by publishing a notice on a public website that--
``(A) includes a detailed description of--
``(i) the specific disaster assistance
information authorized to be collected,
maintained, disclosed, and used;
``(ii) why the collection, maintenance,
disclosure, or use of the disaster assistance
information is necessary to carry out the
purpose of a disaster assistance program;
``(iii) how the collection, maintenance,
disclosure, and use of disaster assistance
information incorporates fair information
practices; and
``(iv) the disaster assistance agencies
that will be granted access to the disaster
assistance information to carry out the purpose
of any disaster assistance program; and
``(B) provides that the submission of an
application through a unified disaster application
constitutes prior written consent to disclose disaster
assistance information to disaster assistance agencies
for the purpose of section 552a(b) of title 5, United
States Code.
``(d) Collection and Sharing of Records and Information.--
``(1) Effect of publication of notice on public website.--
The publication of a notice by the Administrator on a public
website of a revision to the system of records of the unified
intake process and system established under subsection (b)(1)
prior to any new collection, maintenance, disclosure, or use of
records to carry out the purposes of a disaster assistance
program with respect to a major disaster or emergency declared
by the President under section 401 or 501, respectively, of
this Act shall be deemed to satisfy the notice and publication
requirements of section 552a(e)(4) of title 5, United States
Code, for the entire period of performance for any assistance
provided under a disaster assistance program.
``(2) Paperwork reduction act waiver.--
``(A) In general.--Upon the declaration of a major
disaster or emergency pursuant to section 401 or 501,
respectively, of this Act, the Administrator may waive
the requirements of subchapter I of chapter 35 of title
44, United States Code (commonly known as the
`Paperwork Reduction Act'), with respect to the
voluntary collection of information specific to the
declared major disaster or emergency needed to carry
out the purposes of a disaster assistance program.
``(B) Duration.--A waiver described in subparagraph
(A) shall be in effect for the entire period of
performance for any assistance provided under a
disaster assistance program with respect to a declared
major disaster or emergency.
``(C) Transparency.--If the Administrator waives
the requirements described in subparagraph (A), the
Administrator shall--
``(i) promptly post on a public website--
``(I) a brief justification for the
waiver; and
``(II) the agencies and offices to
which the waiver shall apply;
``(ii) update the information posted under
clause (i), as applicable; and
``(iii) comply with the requirements of
subchapter I of chapter 35 of title 44, United
States Code (commonly known as the `Paperwork
Reduction Act') upon the expiration of the
period of performance of any assistance
provided under a disaster assistance program if
the collection of information may be utilized
for the purposes of supporting the disaster
assistance program in future major disaster or
emergency declarations.
``(D) Effectiveness of waiver.--Any waiver under
subparagraph (A) shall take effect on the date on which
the Administrator posts information on the internet
website as provided for under subparagraph (C).
``(e) Data Security.--The Administrator shall facilitate the
collection of disaster assistance information into a unified
application only after--
``(1) the Administrator certifies that the unified
application substantially complies with the data security
standards established pursuant to subchapter II of chapter 35
of title 44, United States Code, and any other applicable
Federal information security policy;
``(2) the Secretary of Homeland Security publishes a
privacy impact assessment for the unified application that is
similar to the privacy assessment conducted under section
208(b)(1)(B) of the E-Government Act of 2002 (44 U.S.C. 3501
note); and
``(3) the Administrator, in consultation with disaster
assistance agencies, publishes standard rules of behavior for
disaster assistance agencies and personnel granted access to
disaster assistance information to protect such information
from improper disclosure.
``(f) Certification of Disaster Assistance Agencies.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator may certify a Federal
agency as a disaster assistance agency only after posting an
agreement between the Administrator and the Federal agency on a
public website that contains the detailed terms of the
agreement.
``(2) Contents of agreement.--An agreement between the
Administrator and a Federal agency described in paragraph (1)
shall state that the Federal Emergency Management Agency and
the Federal agency will--
``(A) collect, disclose, maintain, and use disaster
assistance information in accordance with--
``(i) this section; and
``(ii) subject to subsection (i)(2), any
existing policies of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency and the Federal agency for
information protection and use;
``(B) train any personnel granted access to
disaster assistance information on the rules of
behavior established by the Administrator under
subsection (e)(3);
``(C) in the event of any unauthorized disclosure
of disaster assistance information--
``(i) not later than 24 hours after
discovering the unauthorized disclosure--
``(I) in the case of an
unauthorized disclosure by the Federal
agency, notify the Administrator of the
disclosure; and
``(II) in the case of an
unauthorized disclosure by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency, notify
disaster assistance agencies of the
disclosure;
``(ii) cooperate fully with the
Administrator and disaster assistance agencies
in the investigation and remediation of the
disclosure; and
``(iii) cooperate fully in the prosecution
of a person responsible for the disclosure; and
``(D) assume responsibility for any compensation,
civil liability, or other remediation measure awarded
by a judgment of a court or agreed upon as a compromise
of any potential claim by or on behalf of an applicant,
including by obtaining credit monitoring and
remediation services, for an improper disclosure of
disaster assistance information that is--
``(i) caused, directly or indirectly, by
the acts or omissions of an officer, employee,
or contractor of the Federal agency; or
``(ii) from any electronic system of
records that was created or maintained by the
Federal agency pursuant to section 552a(e) of
title 5, United States Code.
``(3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection
shall be construed to require a Federal agency to sign an
agreement described in paragraph (2) if the head of that
Federal agency determines that the inclusion of the assistance
program of that Federal agency in the unified intake process
and system established under this section is not appropriate to
support the nature and purposes of the assistance programs
under the jurisdiction of that Federal agency.
``(g) Reports.--
``(1) FEMA.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this section, and every year thereafter for 2
years, the Administrator, in coordination with the heads of
disaster assistance agencies, shall submit to Congress a report
on the implementation of this section, including--
``(A) how disaster assistance agencies are working
together to implement the requirements under this
section;
``(B) the effect of this section on disaster
survivor burden and the speed and efficiency of
delivering disaster assistance; and
``(C) a description of any other challenges that
require further legislative action.
``(2) GAO.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this section, the Comptroller General of the
United States shall submit to Congress a report on how the
implementation of this section has affected the disaster
survivor experience, and any recommendations for improvements
to the requirements under this section.
``(h) Briefings.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this section, and again not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall brief
Congress on--
``(1) the status of the implementation of the requirements
under this section; and
``(2) how disaster assistance agencies are working together
to implement the requirements under this section.
``(i) Rules of Construction.--
``(1) Inapplicability of matching program provisions.--The
disclosure and use of disaster assistance information subject
to the requirements of section 552a of title 5, United States
Code, among disaster assistance agencies or with State, local,
or Tribal governments carrying out disaster assistance programs
shall not--
``(A) be construed as a matching program for the
purpose of section 552a(a)(8) of title 5, United States
Code; or
``(B) be subject to subsection (e)(12), (o),
(p)(1)(A)(ii), (q), (r), or (u) of section 552a of
title 5, United States Code.
``(2) Authorities in other laws.--Nothing in this section
shall be construed to affect the authority of an entity to
share disaster assistance information regarding programs funded
or facilitated by the entity in accordance with any other law
or agency policy.
``(3) Applying to multiple programs.--Nothing in this
section shall be construed to require an applicant to apply to
more than 1 disaster assistance program.''.
Calendar No. 212
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1462
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To improve forest management activities on National Forest System land,
public land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management,
and Tribal land to return resilience to overgrown, fire-prone forested
land, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
October 27, 2025
Reported with an amendment