Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2025

Summary

The Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2025 amends the Southwest Forest Health and Wildfire Prevention Act of 2004. It mandates the establishment of an additional research institute in Utah. This institute will focus on wildfire research and prevention specific to the region.

Expected Effects

The Act will expand wildfire research efforts to include Utah. This could lead to better understanding and management of wildfires in the state. It will also likely increase federal funding allocated to Utah for wildfire-related initiatives.

Potential Benefits

  • Enhanced wildfire research specific to Utah's ecosystems.
  • Potential for improved wildfire prevention and management strategies.
  • Increased federal funding for wildfire-related activities in Utah.
  • Possible job creation in the research and related sectors.
  • Contribution to broader knowledge of wildfire behavior in the Southwest.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for funding to be diverted from other wildfire prevention programs.
  • Possible delays in implementation due to bureaucratic processes.
  • The effectiveness of the institute will depend on its management and research quality.
  • Limited immediate impact on wildfire occurrences.
  • Potential for research findings to be politicized or misinterpreted.

Constitutional Alignment

The Act appears to align with the General Welfare Clause (Preamble) of the U.S. Constitution, as it aims to promote the well-being of citizens by addressing wildfire risks. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to appropriate funds for the general welfare, which could include establishing research institutes. The Act 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).