PREPARE Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 16, 2026
Bottom line
The PREPARE Act establishes a regional pilot program to strategically pre-position aerial firefighting assets to combat early-season fine fuel wildfires more effectively without requiring new federal funding.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to create a pilot program for prepositioning aerial wildfire suppression resources. The program targets early-season fine fuel wildland fires in Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, South Dakota, and Wyoming, aiming to improve response times and effectiveness. It mandates that the program operate using existing wildland fire management funds, explicitly prohibiting new appropriations.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that strategically prepositioning aerial firefighting resources, especially for early-season fine fuel fires, can significantly improve initial attack capabilities, reduce the spread of wildfires, and ultimately save lives, property, and natural resources. They would highlight the regional focus on states prone to such fires and the efficiency of using existing funds, demonstrating fiscal responsibility while enhancing emergency response.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the concept of prepositioning is sound, mandating it as a pilot program without additional appropriations could strain existing wildland fire management budgets, potentially diverting resources from other critical fire prevention or suppression efforts. They might also question the specific geographic scope or the administrative burden of establishing new protocols without dedicated funding.
The bill is very short and easy to read, allowing ample time for evaluation.
Section 2(a)
Establishment of Aerial Wildfire Suppression Prepositioning Pilot Program
This section mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture (through the Forest Service) and the Secretary of the Interior (through the Wildland Fire Service) create a pilot program. This program will establish protocols for seasonally prepositioning aerial resources specifically for fighting early-season fine fuel wildland fires in Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, South Dakota, and Wyoming. The goal is to enhance readiness and rapid response in these states.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this pilot program will lead to more efficient and effective wildfire suppression by enabling quicker response times to early-season fires, which can often escalate rapidly. They emphasize that the targeted regional approach addresses specific vulnerabilities and that using existing funds ensures fiscal prudence while enhancing public safety and environmental protection.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that while the objective is laudable, mandating a new pilot program without additional funding could strain already stretched wildland fire management budgets. This could potentially force agencies to divert resources from other essential fire prevention, mitigation, or suppression activities, leading to unintended negative consequences elsewhere.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the desire for improved wildfire response with fiscal constraints. The tension lies in whether existing "wildland fire management" funds are sufficient to effectively implement a new prepositioning program without compromising other critical fire-related operations, or if it will necessitate difficult reallocation decisions.