Weber Times

Congressman Blake Moore and other members of the Utah delegation have introduced a new bill aimed at supporting wildfire prevention. The proposed legislation, known as the Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act, seeks to establish a federal wildfire research institute at Utah State University. This initiative will focus on studying wildfire ecology and developing innovative solutions to mitigate wildfire risks.

The research institute is expected to collaborate with local, state, and federal partners to enhance forest and rangeland management strategies. It will also work on implementing long-term ecological restoration projects.

“This bill will establish a wildfire research institute in the First District where experts and officials can come together and create innovative solutions to keep our forests and communities safe,” said Congressman Moore. “As the west continues to struggle with devastating wildfires, this effort will help ensure that Utah has resources to research and collaborate on wildfire mitigation, forest management, and watershed projects.”

Chairman Mike Lee emphasized the importance of robust forest management strategies in protecting Utah’s forests from catastrophic wildfires. "The Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act will significantly enhance our state's wildfire preparedness by bolstering the tools and resources available to proactively manage and protect our forests and communities," he stated.

Senator John Curtis highlighted the increasing impact of wildfires on Utah communities. “Wildfires have increasingly devastated Utah communities, threatened homes, and scarred our cherished lands,” he said. “The Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act ensures Utah has the cutting-edge research and proactive solutions it needs to better prevent and mitigate fires—protecting our families, forests, and way of life.”

Congressman Mike Kennedy expressed pride in sponsoring the bill in the House. He noted that "the Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2025 will drive critical research to develop and sustain fire-resilient forests, safeguarding our communities." He added that implementing proven best practices could reduce pressure on firefighters and emergency services.

Congressman Burgess Owens pointed out that "Utah has long been at the forefront of responsible resource management," advocating for efforts to prevent wildfires through collaboration with national partners. Congresswoman Celeste Maloy echoed these sentiments by emphasizing existing collaborations between local and federal levels in managing forest land responsibly.

This legislation aims to provide additional resources for building resilience against wildfires while leveraging local expertise for effective management.