Mountain Pine Beetle Coordination Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7]
- Committees
- Agriculture Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 10, 2026
Bottom line
The bill establishes a framework for federal agencies to partner with state and tribal entities to address widespread mountain pine beetle infestations and mitigate wildfire hazards.
What it actually does
This bill authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Forest Service, to enter into cooperative agreements with states, political subdivisions, and federally recognized Indian Tribes to combat mountain pine beetle infestations and reduce associated wildfire risks. It also directs the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to provide technical assistance for monitoring and managing these infestations upon request from covered entities. The goal is to foster coordinated efforts in detection, treatment, mitigation, and hazard reduction.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill provides a crucial framework for coordinated action against the escalating threat of mountain pine beetle infestations, which devastate forests and significantly increase wildfire risk. They contend that a unified approach, combining federal resources and expertise with local knowledge and implementation, is essential for effective forest health management and protecting communities from catastrophic wildfires. The provision for technical assistance from APHIS is seen as a vital component for leveraging scientific expertise.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the intent is good, the bill lacks specific funding mechanisms or appropriations, potentially making its authorized activities difficult to implement effectively without subsequent legislative action. Some may also contend that existing federal programs already provide similar avenues for cooperation, and this bill might create redundant bureaucratic layers without adding substantial new resources or capabilities. Others might raise concerns about the scope of federal involvement in local land management decisions.
The bill is very short and easy to read, making it accessible for any reader to understand its core provisions quickly.
Section 2(a)
Cooperative Agreement Authorization
This section authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to enter into cooperative agreements with states, political subdivisions, and federally recognized Indian Tribes. These agreements are intended to support activities like coordinated monitoring, data sharing, joint project planning, increasing processing capacity for beetle-killed trees, and reducing hazards in affected areas, all aimed at addressing mountain pine beetle infestations and reducing wildfire risk.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that formal cooperative agreements are essential for effective, cross-jurisdictional management of widespread ecological threats like mountain pine beetle infestations. They believe this provision will streamline collaboration, leverage diverse resources, and ensure a more comprehensive response to forest health crises and associated wildfire dangers.
Critics contend
Some critics might argue that while cooperation is valuable, this provision might not fundamentally change existing collaborative efforts, or that without dedicated funding, the authorization alone may not lead to significant new actions. Concerns could also be raised about the administrative burden of establishing and managing numerous new agreements.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need for federal leadership and resources with the importance of local and state autonomy in land management. It aims to achieve greater efficiency through coordination, but also introduces potential administrative overhead for establishing and managing these agreements.
Section 2(b)
Technical Assistance from APHIS
This section mandates that the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) provide technical assistance to covered entities (states, political subdivisions, and federally recognized Indian Tribes) upon their request. This assistance specifically relates to the monitoring and management of mountain pine beetle infestations, covering aspects such as detection, spread dynamics, and mitigation strategies.