The bill would create a seven-year Southern Border Fuels Management Initiative. The Interior Department would reduce hazardous vegetation, address some invasive species, install fuel breaks, and set yearly treatment targets on lands along the southern border. The bill also directs relevant agencies to create policies to address fires and environmental damage on covered federal lands linked to people without lawful immigration status. The agencies must report on their policies and reported incidents, and the Government Accountability Office must update a report on federal law enforcement resources for wildfire management.
Federal land agencies would coordinate with Border Patrol and other law enforcement agencies on vegetation work and on steps to address fires, trash, and damage to natural, archaeological, and wildlife resources. The bill does not describe direct services or benefits for individuals.
The bill authorizes $3.66 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2032 for the fuels initiative. It does not state the cost of other required work.
The bill states that its goals are to reduce wildfire risk, improve landscape resilience and border operational control, and improve visibility and safety for law enforcement.
No publicly available information.