Kelly, Gallego Celebrate Senate Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Help Prevent Catastrophic Wildfires

Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act makes it easier for states and communities to use prescribed fires to reduce wildfire risk This week, the Senate unanimously passed Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego’s Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act (WEPA) of 2026 , bipartisan legislation to make it easier for states and communities to use prescribed fires to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives. Prescribed fires are one of the most effective tools available to reduce hazardous fuels before they contribute to larger and more destructive wildfires. However, current federal air quality rules can make it harder for states to use prescribed fires proactively. The Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act would give states greater certainty that they will not be penalized under the Clean Air Act for responsibly using prescribed burns to reduce wildfire risk. “Arizona communities know how much damage catastrophic wildfires can do, and we need to do everything we can to reduce that risk before a fire starts,” said Kelly . “Prescribed burns are a proven way to clear out dangerous fuels and keep our forests and communities safer. I look forward to getting it across the finish line.” “Prescribed burns are essential to protecting millions of Americans who are threatened by wildfires each year, including in many communities across Arizona,” said Gallego . “I urge the House to take up this common-sense bill and send it to the President’s desk.” Kelly and Gallego introduced WEPA with Senators John Curtis (R-UT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Boozman (R-AR), and Alex Padilla (D-CA). The legislation advanced unanimously out of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee earlier this month. Background: This builds on Kelly’s efforts to keeping Americans safe by reducing wildfire risk. This month, Kelly joined Senate colleagues in demanding the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure that all communities receive the federal resources they need to respond to and prevent wildfires. Additionally, Kelly’s Wildfire Prevention and Recovery Act , which directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct periodic wildfire risk assessments and study the impacts of wildfires on Corps-managed lands through a pilot program beginning in Arizona, passed the EPW committee as part of the 2026 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). Click here to read the full bill text.