On January 14, U.S. Representative Vince Fong (R-CA-20), along with Representative Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), introduced the bipartisan ACERO Act. This legislation authorizes NASA’s Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) project to develop technology for drones to improve wildfire response operations, including in low-visibility conditions where manned aircraft cannot be used.
Specifically, the bill helps improve the management, deconfliction, and coordination of manned and unmanned aerial vehicles in emergency response activities, including by requiring NASA to create a unified concept of operations for the management of airspace during wildfires.
The ACERO Act was introduced in the 118th Congress by former Representative Mike Garcia (R-CA-27) and Representative Jennifer McClellan. It was included in the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which passed the House on September 23, 2024, but did not advance in the Senate.
For more information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate Staci Heaton.