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WASHINGTON—The U.S. Senate today unanimously passed the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act (WEPA) following a unanimous consent request made by Senator John Curtis (R-UT), member of the Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW). The bipartisan legislation, led by Senators Curtis and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), would streamline states’ use of prescribed fires to prevent wildfire emissions, protect ecosystems and wildlife habitats, and make American forests and communities safer, healthier, and cleaner. …The Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act would: Make it easier for states and communities to use prescribed fire to prevent wildfire emissions; Protect ecosystems and wildlife habitat; Provide certainty that states won’t be penalized for taking action to prevent wildfires; Promote the efficient use of state air quality resources; and Make our forests and communities safer, healthier, and cleaner. The bill passed the EPW Committee with a vote of 19-0 on September 16, 2026.