September 30, 2026 10:30 a.m.

U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Republican John Curtis of Utah, members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee have announced that the U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act.

A release said the legislation would streamline states’ use of prescribed fires to prevent wildfire emissions, protect ecosystems and wildlife habitats, and make American forests and communities safer, healthier and cleaner.

Merkley said, ‘As climate chaos fuels longer, hotter and more dangerous wildfire seasons, our communities need to have all the necessary resources to mitigate wildfire threats. Prescribed fire and cultural burning on the landscape are one such tool by reducing hazardous fuels.”

The legislation now moves to the U.S. House.