Strengthening Wildfire Resiliency Through Satellites Act of 2024
Impact
If passed, HB9908 will have a significant impact on state laws relating to environmental management and disaster preparedness. The grant program will provide at least three grants to eligible entities, including state foresters and emergency managers, which will allow them to utilize advanced satellite data for assessing wildfire behavior, intensity, and guiding post-disaster recovery efforts. This allocation of federal resources is anticipated to strengthen state-level readiness and response initiatives concerning wildfire hazards, ultimately enhancing public safety.
Summary
House Bill 9908, known as the Strengthening Wildfire Resiliency Through Satellites Act of 2024, is designed to enhance wildfire management by establishing a grant program for monitoring wildfires using satellite technology. The bill mandates the Secretary of the Interior, through the United States Geological Survey, to implement this program, focusing on the acquisition and integration of high-resolution thermal infrared data to monitor wildfires and improve the management of emergency responses to such events. The program aims to bolster wildfire prevention strategies and promote better preparedness in affected areas.
Contention
The implications of HB9908 have generated discussions around the effectiveness and efficiency of utilizing satellite technology for wildfire monitoring. Supporters argue that such a program could revolutionize current wildfire management practices by providing timely and accurate data, while detractors may raise concerns about the feasibility of integrating technology within existing frameworks. Additionally, the specific allocation of $20 million in federal funding over a span of three years prompts debates among lawmakers regarding budget priorities and fiscal responsibility in relation to environmental initiatives.
Strengthening Wildfire Resiliency Through Satellites Act of 2025This bill requires the U.S. Geological Survey to establish a competitive grant program to fund satellite monitoring of wildfires. The entities eligible to receive the grants are state foresters, emergency managers, and equivalent state officials. Grant recipients must use the funds for purchasing and integrating satellite data on wildfire monitoring and for using the data to detect and manage wildfires.
Reforms the organizational structure for the Department of Transportation and Development including its duties, powers, and responsibilities of officers and employees (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)