Bonamici, Newhouse, Tokuda, Duarte, Valadao, Curtis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Wildfire Mitigation Research

WASHINGTON, DC [2/16/24] – Representatives Suzanne Bonamici [D-OR], Dan Newhouse [R-WA], Jill Tokuda [D-HI], John Duarte [R-CA], David Valadao [R-CA], and John Curtis [R-UT] introduced bipartisan legislation to bolster satellite-driven wildfire research at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and partner institutions to better prepare for worsening wildfire seasons.

The Satellites Preventing Agricultural Crises and Emergencies (SPACE) Act would create cooperative agreements to share satellite-based data, research, and reports between USDA and land-grant colleges and universities with wildfire research programs.

The USDA houses a wide range of programs—including the U.S. Forest Service, Agriculture Research Service, National Agriculture Imagery Program, and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture—that provide the Department with access to satellite data. These datasets can help researchers better understand, predict, and monitor wildfire risk and behavior.

“Wildfire is not uncommon in the West, but the climate crisis is causing longer and more dangerous wildfire seasons that put Oregon’s rural communities and agricultural economy at risk,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “The SPACE Act will better connect USDA’s high-quality satellite datasets with the world-class wildfire research being conducted at land-grant colleges and universities like Oregon State University, resulting in better wildfire monitoring, modeling, and resource deployment methods. I’m pleased to lead this bipartisan legislation to encourage satellite-driven wildfire research and protect agricultural communities.”

“Central Washington is no stranger to the threats of wildfires, and neither is the rest of the West,” said Congressman Newhouse. “This bill will help public safety experts better predict and monitor the behavior of wildfires and will be critical in preventing massive crop destruction when the next one inevitably strikes.”

“Last August, Maui experienced the deadliest wildfires in modern American history. The fires and tragic loss of 101 people is a sobering reminder of the critical need for data and wildfire mitigation plans to reduce fire risk,” said Congresswoman Tokuda. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the SPACE Act so that top-notch researchers at the University of Hawai‘i and other land-grant colleges can utilize federal data to better predict, monitor, and mitigate wildfire impacts. This bill will help save lives by putting the full weight of the federal and state governments behind critical wildfire action and initiatives.”

"The Satellites Preventing Agricultural Crises and Emergencies (SPACE) Act is a crucial step forward in harnessing satellite data collection for wildfire mitigation," said Congressman Duarte. "By enhancing collaboration between the USDA and academic institutions, this legislation aims to significantly improve our ability to predict, monitor, and manage wildfires. I fully support this bipartisan bill, which promises to help protect our homes, our communities, our economy, and our Valley from wildfires."

“California’s devastating wildfires have destroyed homes, businesses, and livelihoods across our state,” said Congressman Valadao. “It’s critical that the federal government supports wildfire research efforts to improve air quality for Central Valley residents and preserve our natural landscapes. I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to improve coordination with the USDA and land-grant universities so we can better study, predict, and reduce wildfires.”

“I’m pleased to join in this effort to give those working to prevent and mitigate wildfire damage,” said Rep. Curtis. “The more research we have will help local communities be prepared for evacuations and help first responders deploy resources, increase wildfire management and have accurate data.”

The bill would also direct USDA to submit a report to Congress on satellite-driven wildfire research, including opportunities to integrate remote sensing and aerial resources in wildfire monitoring and management.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

###