PADILLA, EPW COMMITTEE MEMBERS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO PREVENT WILDFIRES, INCREASE USE OF PRESCRIBED FIRE

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. Alex Padilla issued the following press release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, introduced the bipartisan Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act (WEPA) of 2026.

WEPA would make it easier for states and communities to use prescribed fires to prevent wildfire emissions, protect ecosystems and wildlife habitats, and make American forests and communities safer, healthier, and cleaner. The bill also promotes the efficient use of state air quality resources and provides certainty that states will not be ...