Newly proposed federal legislation would establish and carry out a Federal Wildfire Relief Fund that would aim to ensure all communities have access to insurance and reliable, affordable electricity regardless of the wildfire risks in their region.
The Federal Wildfire Relief Act, H.R. 10523, sponsored Dec. 19 by U.S. Rep. John Curtis (R-UT), also would ensure that the federal government aligns with state plans, acknowledging that local governments are best equipped to manage wildfire mitigation strategies, according to a bill summary provided by the congressman’s staff.
“The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires requires a bold and comprehensive approach to relief and recovery,” Curtis said. “This bill prioritizes collaboration, mitigation, and support for those affected by wildfires while encouraging utilities and stakeholders to adopt proactive measures to reduce future risks.”
As wildfires become more frequent and destructive, H.R. 10523 represents an essential step toward strengthening the national response and building a more resilient future, he said.