Reps. Dave Min, Gabe Evans Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Reduce Wildfire Risk 

November 19, 2025
Press Release

Washington, D.C. —Today, Representative Dave Min (CA-47), member of the House Natural Resources Committee, introduced the bipartisan and bicameral Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act which would establish research centers at higher education institutions across the country to support wildfire research and develop new technologies to enhance wildfire preparedness. The bill is co-led by Rep. Gabe Evans (R-CO) in the House and is a companion to Senate legislation that is being led by Senators Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK).

“Wildfires are becoming more deadly, and without strong research and modern tools to address these growing threats, our communities will continue to pay the price,” said Rep. Min. “I’m proud to lead this legislation to ensure we are better equipped to save lives and neighborhoods.”

“As a former Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter pilot who has fought Colorado wildfires, I know how critical it is to support wildfire research that reflects the unique risks facing each region,” said Rep. Evans. “This bipartisan effort will strengthen the development of mitigation strategies, and give states the tools they need to protect our communities and natural landscapes for generations to come.” 

The Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act would direct the U.S. Departments of the Interior and Agriculture to establish a minimum of eight wildfire research centers at colleges and universities to develop region-specific solutions to catastrophic wildfires. Each center would: 

  • Develop, maintain, and operate next-generation fire and vegetation models and technologies to support wildland fire mitigation and address the specific needs of the region they are situated in;
  • Develop a career pathway training program to help carry out wildland fire research and technology development; and
  • Consult with regional advisory boards, which include membership from land management agencies, state, local, and Tribal governments, private industry, and more.

"The Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act of 2025 will address a critical need to better understand and manage wildfires that increasingly threaten California. With support from universities, this legislation will strengthen large-scale modeling and simulation, develop new technologies for fire prevention, management and recovery, and enhance risk-based decision-making. The University of California applauds Congressman Dave Min for his leadership on this important issue and urges Congress to act swiftly to pass this legislation," said Theresa Maldonado, Vice President for Research and Innovation, University of California System.

“We spend billions on improving our understanding of disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes – that hasn’t happened yet with megafire. The Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act recognizes and invests in our research community to produce region specific scientific research and solutions to catastrophic wildfires, allowing innovators and wildland firefighters to use this information to directly leverage technology to predict, detect, and prevent megafire,” said Matt Weiner, CEO of Megafire Action. 

“National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) is pleased to endorse the Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act, which will provide critical resources for research and technology that will help protect American communities from the wildfire crisis,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “If we are to properly address devastating megafires and improve wildland firefighter safety, we must also develop the next generation of experts to support wildland fire research." 

“Southern California has experienced deadly and destructive wildfires, and our firefighters and communities continue to battle ongoing wildfire threats. UC Irvine is pleased to endorse the Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act, which will provide vital federal resources for research that will help protect our communities from devastating wildfires. I am thankful for Representative Min’s leadership and introduction of this important legislation. UC Irvine stands ready to advance wildland fire research to help save lives and protect property in California and across our region,” said Dr. Aileen Anderson, Vice Chancellor for Research, University of California, Irvine. 

“Extreme weather has pushed wildfires to grow in size and severity, making our current wildfire models inadequate,” said Daniel Correa, Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of American Scientists. “The Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act is a significant investment in understanding how wildland fire risks continue to evolve. It establishes a strong foundation that first responders and forest managers can rely on. We commend Congressmen Dave Min and Gabe Evans for their leadership investing in innovative next-generation fire and vegetation models to protect human health, ecosystems, and our communities.”

This bill is supported by Megafire Action, the National Association of Federal Employees, the Nature Conservancy, the National Association of State Foresters, and University of California.

Bill text can be found here. 

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