Bill > HR6154

This bill, titled the "Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act of 2025," aims to establish a network of at least eight regional wildland fire research centers across the United States. These centers, to be located at institutions of higher education or land-grant colleges and universities, will be selected through a competitive process by the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior, prioritizing institutions with existing wildland fire research programs, partnerships, or those serving minority populations. The purpose of these regional centers is to coordinate research efforts, improve understanding of wildland fire causes, behavior, and impacts, and develop technologies and tools for monitoring, predicting, and mitigating fires, including those in the wildland-urban interface. The bill also establishes a National Center Coordination Board, co-chaired by the Administrator and the Chief of the Forest Service, to oversee and coordinate the activities of the regional centers, establish research priorities, and ensure data sharing. Additionally, each regional center will have a Regional Advisory Board composed of representatives from federal and state land management agencies, Indian Tribes, and other stakeholders to advise on research goals and disseminate findings. The bill authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to fund these centers and the coordination board, with provisions for flexibility in fund allocation and reporting requirements to Congress on the progress and recommendations for improving wildland fire research.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6154/all-info