H.R. 3922: Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act

This bill, known as the Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act, mandates a study by the Comptroller General of the United States. The main objectives of this study are:

1. Examination of Existing Programs

The study will assess:

• The current Federal programs, rules, and authorities that either facilitate or hinder wildfire mitigation across land ownership boundaries, which include both Federal and non-Federal land.

2. Identifying Opportunities for Improvement

It will also explore:

• Whether modifications to any of the identified programs, rules, or authorities could enhance the capacity or funding access for various entities involved in wildfire mitigation. This includes:
• Federal land management agencies
• The Secretary of Agriculture, particularly through the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service
• The Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through FEMA and the U.S. Fire Administration
• State and local governments, as well as Tribal governments

3. Evaluation of Specific Activities

The study will evaluate activities conducted under a specific section of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003, focusing on:

• Ways to enhance the effectiveness of these activities in wildfire mitigation.
• Whether this section has improved access to funding for Federal land management agencies and States aimed at wildfire mitigation.

4. Reporting Requirements

Within two years of the bill's enactment, the Comptroller General will compile a report that includes:

• The findings from the study.
• Recommendations aimed at simplifying cross-boundary wildfire mitigation efforts between Federal and State, local, and Tribal governments.

Relevant Companies

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