Utah Valley Times

Yesterday, Representative John Curtis introduced the Federal Wildfire Relief Act, a legislative measure aimed at supporting states affected by wildfires. The bill seeks to provide all communities with access to insurance and affordable, reliable, clean energy, regardless of the wildfire risks in their area.

"The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires requires a bold and comprehensive approach to relief and recovery," said Rep. Curtis. "This bill prioritizes collaboration, mitigation, and support for those affected by wildfires while encouraging utilities and stakeholders to adopt proactive measures to reduce future risks."

As wildfires grow more frequent and destructive, this legislation is considered an important step toward enhancing national response efforts and building resilience for the future. States in regions prone to wildfires have been actively working to safeguard their residents, businesses, and infrastructure. The Federal Wildfire Relief Act acknowledges these efforts by ensuring federal alignment with state plans, recognizing that local governments are best positioned to manage wildfire mitigation strategies.

"Our top priority is the safety of our customers and communities. In the West, the growing risk of catastrophic wildfires is the greatest threat to the delivery of safe and reliable electricity. Rocky Mountain Power appreciates Rep. Curtis working towards solutions that can help mitigate this threat, and the proposed legislation sets the stage for ongoing discussions about this important issue," stated Dick Garlish, President of Rocky Mountain Power.

For more information or to read the full text of the legislation, visit Congress.gov.