South OC Times

The House Natural Resources Committee has passed the Wildfire Technology Demonstration, Evaluation, Modernization, and Optimization (DEMO) Act (H.R. 4235), a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Representatives Young Kim (CA-40) and Jason Crow (CO-06). The legislation aims to enhance access to emerging technologies for first responders combating wildfires.

The Wildfire Technology DEMO Act permits private entities to collaborate with federal land management agencies to test wildfire technologies alongside ongoing hazardous fuels mitigation activities and training. The four-year pilot program will be developed jointly by the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior.

"Ongoing wildfires in Southern California are a poignant reminder that our first responders need all available tools at their disposal to contain wildfires and save lives," said Rep. Kim. "Emerging technologies have huge potential in improving wildfire response, from communications to remote sensing and safety equipment. The Wildfire Technology DEMO Act allows us to test wildfire technologies so we can get the latest tools in the hands of first responders as quickly as possible. I thank the House Natural Resources Committee for passing this bipartisan bill, and I'll keep fighting to get this through the finish line."

"The Wildfire Technology DEMO Act is an important step for Colorado, where wildfires increasingly threaten our vital infrastructure, homes, and fundamental way of life," said Rep. Crow. "This bill will help develop the equipment and techniques needed to keep our communities safe and fight the massive wildfires we're seeing all across the country."

"As our western communities suffer through another devastating wildfire season, Congresswoman Kim is advancing innovative solutions like the Wildfire Technology DEMO Act to turn the tide against this historic crisis. I'd like to thank her for her thoughtful work on this forward-thinking legislation which will mitigate wildfires in California and across America," said Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman.