WeVote
Log In

Bill

MK

Bill

HR 1045

Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Mike Kennedy and 3 co-sponsors

HR 1045 establishes the Southwest Ecological Restoration Institute in Utah to enhance wildfire research and management, benefiting communities and improving forest health.

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
1
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 1045

Summary of HR 1045: Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2025

Purpose of the Legislation

The Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2025 (HR 1045) aims to amend the Southwest Forest Health and Wildfire Prevention Act of 2004 by establishing an additional research institute in Utah. This initiative seeks to enhance wildfire research and management efforts in the state, which currently lacks a dedicated center among the Four Corners states.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of a New Institute: The bill mandates the creation of a new Southwest Ecological Restoration Institute (SWERI) in Utah, joining existing centers in Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico.
  • Research and Collaboration: The new institute will focus on:
    • Conducting research on wildfire mitigation.
    • Collaborating with federal, state, and local stakeholders.
    • Developing adaptive forest management techniques.
    • Implementing fuel reduction strategies to enhance forest health and reduce wildfire risks.
  • Accountability and Reporting: The institute will be required to produce annual, peer-reviewed scientific reports and work plans in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture.

Impact

  • Beneficiaries: The establishment of the Utah SWERI will benefit:
    • Local communities and land managers through improved wildfire management strategies.
    • Researchers and academics who will have a platform for collaboration and innovation in forest management.
    • The environment, as the institute will focus on restoring forest health and reducing wildfire risks.
  • Addressing Disparity: This legislation addresses the current lack of a SWERI center in Utah, ensuring that the state can leverage academic and scientific resources similar to its neighboring states.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: February 6, 2025, by Representative Mike Kennedy (R-UT).
  • Committee Actions:
    • Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Agriculture.
    • Subcommittee hearings were held on June 10, 2025.
    • The bill was reported favorably by the Committee on Natural Resources on September 15, 2025.
  • Current Status: As of September 15, 2025, the bill has been placed on the Union Calendar, indicating it is ready for consideration by the full House.

Related Legislation

  • A companion bill, S 457, has been introduced in the Senate by Chairman Mike Lee (R-UT), which reflects similar objectives to establish the Utah SWERI.

Conclusion

HR 1045 represents a significant step towards enhancing wildfire research and management in Utah, addressing a critical gap in the state's resources for combating wildfires and promoting forest health. The establishment of the Utah SWERI is expected to foster collaboration and innovation in ecological restoration efforts across the region.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.