H.R.178 - To require the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out activities to suppress wildfires, and for other purposes. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 178 aims to enhance wildfire suppression activities by directing the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Forest Service, to prioritize extinguishing wildfires on National Forest System lands within 24 hours of detection. The bill emphasizes immediate suppression of prescribed fires that exceed their intended boundaries. It also outlines conditions for using fire as a resource management tool and initiating backfires or burnouts.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to increased resource allocation towards wildfire suppression on federal lands, particularly in drought-stricken areas or those with high wildfire risk. This could reduce the overall acreage burned by wildfires and protect communities and ecosystems. However, it may also limit the use of prescribed burns for ecological management.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced risk of large-scale wildfires in vulnerable areas.
- Protection of communities and infrastructure from wildfire damage.
- Enhanced coordination between federal, state, and local firefighting agencies.
- Improved air quality due to quicker suppression of wildfires.
- Preservation of forest ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs associated with aggressive wildfire suppression.
- Possible limitations on the use of prescribed burns for ecological restoration.
- Risk of unintended consequences from backfires or burnouts if not carefully managed.
- May strain resources of the Forest Service, potentially impacting other programs.
- Could lead to ecological imbalances if natural fire regimes are suppressed.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to protect communities and resources from wildfires. Congress has the power to enact legislation necessary and proper for managing federal lands, as implied by Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2, which grants Congress the power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States. 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).