Ranking Member Lofgren Applauds NOAA $34M Investment in Wildfire Research & Preparedness
(WASHINGTON, DC)—Yesterday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced a significant investment in wildfire research, with over $34 million in funding allocated to 17 research awards across various academic institutions. This funding, made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will advance the United States’ capabilities in predicting, detecting, and responding to wildfires.
“Each year, climate change fuels an increasing number of severe wildfires and other climate disasters, causing tragic loss of life and billions of dollars in damage,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). "Wildfires are especially destructive in my home state of California. Last year alone, California experienced 7,127 wildfires which burned 324,917 acres and resulted in 594,971 emergency responses. Ensuring our nation has the information necessary to effectively predict and respond to wildfires is critical.
“We must put to use every tool we have available to address this growing threat. I am glad to see that the Biden Administration is leveraging support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund 17 research awards totaling just over $34 million that will improve the prediction, detection, response, and recovery for wildfires. These investments are necessary for improving wildfire science and strengthening our decision-making resources that are critical for emergency responders and local officials as they work to protect lives and property.”
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