The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today issued new policy guidance aimed at removing regulatory barriers that have historically discouraged the use of prescribed fires—a key tool in mitigating the risk of catastrophic wildfires.
The move, announced in accordance with President Trump’s Executive Order, “Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response,” directs EPA regional offices to work with state, local, Tribal, and federal partners to revise State Implementation Plans (SIPs) under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Unclogging a Critical Mitigation Tool
Historically, various states have included air quality provisions in their SIPs that effectively impede the strategic deployment of wildland prescribed fires in vulnerable areas. Prescribed fires—or controlled burns—are a crucial method for reducing flammable material in forests, thereby lowering the intensity and spread of future destructive wildfires.
“President Trump has taken strong action to protect Americans from the threat of wildfires, and we are proudly doing our part at EPA to follow the law and ensure our regulations and guidance facilitate good forest management,” said EPA Administrator Zeldin.
The Administrator, who noted he traveled to Los Angeles and Maui following recent catastrophic fires, stressed that prescribed burns “can mean the difference between life and death in the event of a wildfire,” and that the new guidance is intended to help states be “as prepared as possible to keep residents safe.”
Leveraging the ‘Exceptional Events’ Rule
The EPA’s new guidance centers on utilizing the Exceptional Events Rule under the CAA. Under this rule, air quality data resulting from strategic prescribed fires are eligible to be treated as an exceptional event. This designation means the resulting air pollution does not need to be considered when determining if an area meets National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
The Trump EPA asserts that, given this eligibility, it is not necessary for states to include air quality regulatory provisions in SIPs that limit the strategic use of prescribed fires.
Action Steps for Regional Offices
The memorandum issued today mandates specific actions for the EPA’s ten regional offices:
- Engagement and Development: Work with partners to develop approaches consistent with the CAA that do not limit the use of wildland prescribed fires.
- Evaluation of SIPs: Collaborate with state air agencies to evaluate both existing and proposed SIP provisions to ensure they do not hinder the strategic application of prescribed fires.
- Coordination and Recordkeeping: Promote improved recordkeeping and smoke management practices associated with prescribed fire activities to enable more effective coordination and collaboration on air quality management.
The EPA stated it remains committed to protecting human health and the environment and will continue to provide the public with accurate information through the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map, which it produces in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.
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