Senate Passes the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act

The Senate passed the legislation by unanimous consent Sept. 29 following a request from Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah. The bill was introduced by Sens. Curtis, Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.; Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.; Alex Padilla, D-Calif.; John Boozman, R-Ark.; and Mark Kelly, D-Ariz. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee previously advanced the legislation unanimously with a 19-0 vote on Sept. 16. 

The House of Representatives passed its own wildfire emissions legislation, the Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events Act, or FIRE Act, in April. The House and Senate legislation address similar issues but contain different provisions. The two chambers will need to resolve those differences before a final measure could advance to the president. 

The NWTF is part of a broad coalition supporting the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act, including conservation, forestry, hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation organizations. 

“We appreciate the bipartisan leadership that brought this legislation through the Senate and thank the senators who worked together to advance this important measure,” said Matt Lindler, NWTF director of government affairs. “The Senate’s action is an important step toward providing states and land managers with greater certainty as they work to reduce wildfire risk, and we look forward to continuing to support efforts to get this legislation across the finish line.” 

For the NWTF, the legislation is part of a broader effort to advance practical, science-based approaches to forest management and improve the resiliency of landscapes that support wildlife and people. Prescribed fire is an important part of active forest and habitat management. When applied under carefully planned conditions, it can reduce accumulated fuels, maintain healthy forest conditions and create a diversity of habitat that benefits wild turkeys and other wildlife. 

That work becomes increasingly important as communities and public lands face the effects of severe wildfire. Proactive management can help address hazardous fuel buildup before conditions contribute to larger, more difficult-to-control fires, while also supporting healthy forests, watersheds and recreational opportunities. 

“Hunters and outdoor recreationists depend on healthy, resilient forests and public lands,” Lindler said. “This legislation recognizes the role prescribed fire can play in that work and helps address a barrier that can make it more difficult for land managers to use it. We appreciate the progress made in Congress and the continued bipartisan attention to this issue.” 

About the National Wild Turkey Federation  

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.7 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $25 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to create healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF is committed to creating a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.