Reps. Gabe Evans and Dave Min introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Wildfire Risk

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08) joined Rep. Dave Min (CA-47) to introduce the bipartisan, Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Ben Lujan (D-NM) making the bill both bipartisan and bicameral.

The Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act would establish research centers at higher education institutions across the country to support wildfire research and develop new technologies to enhance wildfire preparedness.

“As a former Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter pilot who has fought Colorado wildfires, I know how critical it is to support wildfire research that reflects the unique risks facing each region,” said Rep. Evans. “This bipartisan effort will strengthen the development of mitigation strategies, and give states the tools they need to protect our communities and natural landscapes for generations to come.”

“Wildfires are becoming more deadly, and without strong research and modern tools to address these growing threats, our communities will continue to pay the price,” said Rep. Min. “I’m proud to lead this legislation to ensure we are better equipped to save lives and neighborhoods.”

“National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) is pleased to endorse the Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act, which will provide critical resources for research and technology that will help protect American communities from the wildfire crisis,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “If we are to properly address devastating megafires and improve wildland firefighter safety, we must also develop the next generation of experts to support wildland fire research."  

“Extreme weather has pushed wildfires to grow in size and severity, making our current wildfire models inadequate,” said Daniel Correa, Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of American Scientists. “The Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act is a significant investment in understanding how wildland fire risks continue to evolve. It establishes a strong foundation that first responders and forest managers can rely on. We commend Congressmen Dave Min and Gabe Evans for their leadership investing in innovative next-generation fire and vegetation models to protect human health, ecosystems, and our communities.”

The Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act would direct the U.S. Departments of the Interior and Agriculture to establish a minimum of eight wildfire research centers at colleges and universities to develop region-specific solutions to catastrophic wildfires. Each center would:

✅ Develop, maintain, and operate next-generation fire and vegetation models and technologies to support wildland fire mitigation and address the specific needs of the region they are situated in.

✅ Develop a career pathway training program to help carry out wildland fire research and technology development.

✅ Consult with regional advisory boards, which include membership from land management agencies, state, local, and Tribal governments, private industry, and more.

This bill is supported by Megafire Action, the National Association of Federal Employees, the Nature Conservancy, and the National Association of State Foresters.

Bill text can be found here.