Congresswoman Norma J. Torres Introduces Wildfire Grid Resiliency Act

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) introduced the Wildfire Grid Resiliency Act, which authorizes $10 million annually for the next four years to the Department of Energy to carry out a program to help develop new safety technologies for responding to electric grid emergencies that occur as the result of wildfires.

"Increasingly large and dangerous wildfire spread poses a significant threat to Californians, specifically the people in my district," said Rep. Torres. "2020 was the worst wildfire year on record, with more than four million acres burned in California, and 2021 is on track to surpass that. These funds will support innovative technologies to improve our response to wildfire-related grid emergencies, and as a result, will help protect our communities."

The dangers of wildfires extend beyond the immediate burn, and include increased risk of flooding and landslides. Congresswoman Torres previously amended the National Landslide Preparedness Act to expand the study of wildfire-related landslides.

The Wildfire Grid Resiliency Act directs the Secretary of Energy to make awards available to National Laboratories for projects that demonstrate innovative technologies to improve electric grid resilience after wildfires, including monitoring vegetation management and first responder safety. The bill authorizes $10 million per year until FY 2025 for the awards.

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