On April 15, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act (H.R. 1011), by a vote of 395-10. The measure, introduced by Representative Julia Letlow (R-LA), amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to expand access to emergency assistance for agricultural producers and private forest landowners recovering from disasters, including wildfires. Key changes include broadening the scope of eligible emergency conservation measures; allowing advance cost-share payments of up to 75% for structure replacement and 50% for repairs under the Emergency Conservation Program; and providing private forest landowners with up to 75% of estimated costs upfront through the Emergency Forest Restoration Program. The bill clarifies that wildfire eligibility extends to fires not naturally caused, including those that spread due to federal government action. By reducing financial barriers to early recovery action, the bill stands to benefit rural counties facing increasing wildfire risk. This measure now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
For more information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, Staci Heaton.