Emergency Mountain Pine Beetle Response Act
To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the Mountain Pine Beetle Response Program under which the Secretary may issue competitive grants for use carrying out emergency mountain pine beetle response projects on National Forest Service lands, and for other purposes.
This bill, the Emergency Mountain Pine Beetle Response Act, aims to address the growing threat of mountain pine beetles on National Forest Service lands. It proposes the creation of the Mountain Pine Beetle Response Program, through which competitive grants would be issued to carry out emergency response projects aimed at mitigating the impact of these beetles. The program is intended to support efforts that protect forest health and manage the spread of these destructive pests.
This legislation would primarily affect forest land managers, conservation groups, and communities dependent on healthy forests. By providing funding for emergency response projects, the bill hopes to reduce the damage caused by mountain pine beetles, thereby preserving forest ecosystems and the services they provide, such as clean water, timber, and recreational opportunities.
As of July 30, 2026, the bill has been introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Natural Resources. These committees will review the bill to assess its implications and determine its next steps in the legislative process. The bill is currently in its early stages, and further committee actions will determine its progress.