Responsible Wildland Fire Recovery Act
Summary
The "Responsible Wildland Fire Recovery Act" (S. 3149) aims to provide cost-share waivers for projects addressing wildland fires caused by Department of Agriculture management activities on National Forest System land. This bill seeks to ensure that affected parties receive 100% funding for remediating direct and indirect damages under federal recovery programs. It defines key terms such as 'covered matching requirement,' 'covered wildland fire,' and 'wildland fire' to clarify the scope of the waivers.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this act would change the funding structure for wildland fire recovery projects on National Forest System land when the fires are a result of Department of Agriculture management activities. States, Indian Tribes, localities, or individuals would no longer be required to provide matching funds for these specific projects. This could lead to quicker and more comprehensive recovery efforts in affected areas.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Funding Access: Affected parties gain access to 100% federal funding for recovery projects, removing the burden of matching funds.
- Faster Recovery: Waiving cost-share requirements could expedite the implementation of recovery projects.
- Targeted Relief: The bill specifically addresses fires caused by government management activities, ensuring accountability.
- Watershed Protection: Includes direct and indirect damage resulting in watershed impairment in the definition of wildland fire.
- Administrative Efficiency: Streamlines the funding process by removing the need to secure matching funds.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Increased Federal Spending: Waiving cost-share requirements could increase the overall financial burden on the federal government.
- Risk of Moral Hazard: Removing financial responsibility from local entities might reduce their incentive for proactive fire prevention measures.
- Limited Scope: The bill only addresses fires caused by specific government actions, potentially excluding other significant wildland fires.
- Implementation Challenges: Determining whether a fire resulted from management activities could be complex and lead to disputes.
- Unintended Consequences: Could disincentivize collaboration between federal and local entities on fire management.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the US Constitution, as it aims to provide relief and recovery assistance to communities affected by wildland fires. Specifically, the clause empowers Congress to "provide for the... general Welfare of the United States." By addressing the economic and environmental consequences of these fires, the bill could be argued to promote the general welfare. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).