Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.3924 - Wildfire Risk Evaluation Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.3924, the Wildfire Risk Evaluation Act, directs the Secretaries of Agriculture, Interior, and Homeland Security to conduct a quadrennial review of the wildfire environment. This review includes analyzing changes to built and natural environments and the intersection of wildfire and public health. The bill mandates a report to relevant committees every four years, outlining challenges, recommendations, and progress toward wildfire management goals.

Expected Effects

The bill aims to improve wildfire management by providing a structured, recurring assessment of risks and challenges. This will likely lead to better-informed strategies and resource allocation for wildfire mitigation, response, and recovery. The quadrennial review will also inform legislative and administrative actions related to wildfire management.

Potential Benefits

  • Improved understanding of wildfire risks and their impact on communities.
  • Enhanced interagency coordination and strategic planning for wildfire management.
  • Better allocation of resources for wildfire mitigation, response, and recovery efforts.
  • Development of long-term strategies to address wildfire challenges.
  • Increased public awareness of wildfire risks and preparedness measures.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for bureaucratic delays in conducting the quadrennial reviews and implementing recommendations.
  • Risk of the reviews becoming politicized or influenced by special interests.
  • Possible duplication of efforts with existing wildfire management initiatives.
  • Costs associated with conducting the reviews and implementing recommended actions.
  • Limited scope of the review, potentially overlooking other important aspects of wildfire management.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) by promoting measures to protect communities and natural resources from wildfires. It also aligns with the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8) by enabling Congress to enact laws necessary for carrying out its enumerated powers, such as managing federal lands and providing for national security. 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).