The bill was introduced by U.S. Senators Tim Sheehy and Martin Heinrich (D- NM) who say the initiative emphasizes the importance of combatting the threat of catastrophic wildfires as a year-round mission. It seeks to ensure the aerial wildfire suppression fleet has the necessary resources to protect communities.
The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 amends the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996. It reauthorizes the sale of aircraft and parts by the Department of Defense for wildfire suppression. This will facilitate the acquisition of military excess aircraft, sold at fair market value, for the aerial wildfire suppression fleet.
The bill reauthorizes the Secretary of Defense to sell excess Department of Defense aircraft and aircraft parts to entities that contract with the government for wildfire suppression. The aircraft and parts must be used solely for this purpose. The initial authority expired in 2005, was reauthorized from 2012 to 2017, and has now lapsed again.
The United Aerial Firefighters Association has endorsed the bill, recognizing its potential to enhance the nation's ability to combat wildfires effectively.
For more information, please click here.
************************************************************************************
Check out our online trail guides:
- Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com
- Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com
- Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
No comments:
Post a Comment