Rep. Jim Costa Champions Bill to Keep Aerial Firepower Ready in Wildfire Season

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing H.R. 3300 -Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation to ensure aerial fire retardant remains a reliable tool for wildfire suppression without being delayed by lengthy federal permitting processes.

“As climate change fuels more intense and frequent wildfires across California, we must act to protect our communities and those who risk their lives on the frontlines,” said Congressman Costa. “This legislation strengthens our wildfire response, invests in prevention, and gives firefighters the support they need to do their jobs safely. This is about protecting lives, livelihoods, and the land we all depend on.”

BACKGROUND

The Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act cuts through unnecessary red tape to ensure firefighters can continue using aerial fire retardant, one of the most effective tools available to stop wildfires before they spread. The bill makes clear that federal, state, local, and tribal firefighting agencies can deploy retardant without delays from burdensome permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act, while still upholding environmental safeguards.

The Forest Service has made clear in testimony that aerial retardant is a critical part of its integrated wildfire strategy and that current operations already prohibit discharge into waterways or buffer zones. Over the past decade, less than 1% of fire-retardant drops have affected waterways.

Costa joined eight bipartisan members of Congress in introducing this legislation, including: Representatives Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Adam Gray (D-CA), David Valadao (R-CA), Vince Fong (R-CA), Young Kim (R-CA), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Darrell Issa (R-CA), and Tom McClintock (R-CA).