Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2025

# Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would establish a new Utah Wildfire Research Institute, likely as a partnership between the federal government and Utah's universities or research institutions. The institute would focus on studying wildfires, forest management, and related ecological issues. If passed, it would authorize federal funding and resources to support wildfire research, prevention strategies, and forestry science in Utah. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects Utah residents, researchers, and universities in the state. It could also benefit communities across the West that struggle with wildfire management, since research findings would likely be shared more broadly.

Federal taxpayers would fund the initiative. **Current Status** As of now, S 457 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The bill was sponsored by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT). It would need to pass out of committee, be debated and approved by the Senate, then go through the House and be signed by the President before becoming law.