Safer Emergency and Evacuation Routes Response Act of 2025
Summary
The Safer Emergency and Evacuation Routes Response Act of 2025 aims to improve the integration of real-time wildfire hazard alerts with state and local transportation closure information systems. This bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a voluntary pilot program in coordination with NOAA and the Forest Service. The goal is to assist states in automatically relaying information about roadway closures, detours, and evacuation routes to drivers during wildfire events.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to improved communication and coordination during wildfire emergencies. By linking National Weather Service hazard alerts with state and local traffic management systems, drivers will receive more timely and accurate information. The pilot program will be evaluated after two years to assess its effectiveness.
Potential Benefits
- Improved safety for drivers during wildfire events.
- More efficient evacuation procedures.
- Better informed decision-making by drivers.
- Enhanced coordination between federal, state, and local agencies.
- Utilization of existing data standards and formats.
Potential Disadvantages
- Participation in the pilot program is voluntary, potentially limiting its reach.
- The act relies on existing data standards, which may not be uniformly implemented across all states.
- Funding is dependent on amounts already available for surface transportation research and development, potentially limiting resources.
- The act does not grant authority to make or direct roadway closure decisions, which could hinder its effectiveness in some situations.
- The evaluation report is not due for two years, delaying potential improvements.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the General Welfare Clause (Preamble), as it aims to improve public safety during emergencies. It also respects states' rights by making participation in the pilot program voluntary. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).