,i #aahth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #cdci ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,may #ag1 #bjbc,mr4 ,panetta 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,thompson of ,california1 ,mr4 ,costa1 ,ms4 ,lee of ,california1 ,mr4 ,garamendi1 ,mr4 ,de,saulnier1 ,mr4 ,carbajal1 and ,ms4 ,salinas7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,agriculture1 and in addition to the ,committees on ,natural ,resources1 ,energy and ,commerce1 and ,education and the ,workforce1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to direct the ,secretary of ,agriculture to select and implement landscape-scale forest restoration projects1 to assist communities in increasing their resilience to wildfire1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,emergency ,wildfire ,act of #bjbc4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,title ,i--,landscape-scale ,forest ,restoration,sec4 #aja4 ,definitions4,sec4 #ajb4 ,purpose4,sec4 #ajc4 ,conservation finance agreements4,sec4 #ajd4 ,report evaluating implementation4,title ,,ii--,increasing ,community ,resilience to ,wildfire,sec4 #bja4 ,critical infrastructure and microgrid program4,sec4 #bjb4 ,retrofits for fire-resilient communities4,sec4 #bjc4 ,wildfire detection1 monitoring1 and analysis equipment4,title ,,iii--,research1 ,training1 and ,capacity ,building,sec4 #cja4 ,western prescribed fire centers4,sec4 #cjb4 ,innovative forest workforce development program4,sec4 #cjc4 ,national community capacity and land stewardship grant program4 ,i ,landscape-scale ,forest ,restoration #aja4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,conservation finance agreement ,the term conservation finance agreement means a mutual benefit agreement 7excluding a procurement contract1 grant1 or cooperative agreement described in chapter #fc of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code7 for a conservation finance project-- 7,a7 the term of which is not less than #b1 and not more than #bj1 years2 7,b7 that may provide that performance under the agreement during the second and subsequent years of the agreement is contingent on the appropriation of funds or receipt of collections2 and 7,c7 that may provide for a cancellation payment to be made to the conservation finance project developer if those appropriations are not made or collections are not received4 7#b7 ,conservation finance project ,the term conservation finance project means a project-- 7,a7 conducted on ,national ,forest ,system land and may include land adjoining ,national ,forest ,system land2 7,b7 that would-- 7i7 protect1 restore1 or improve ,national ,forest ,system land2 and 7ii7 use a conservation finance model that employs a debt financing approach that uses loaned capital from a conservation finance project investor to cover up-front project costs1 with the loaned capital repaid over time by conservation finance project beneficiaries2 and 7,c7 the purpose of which is to conduct ecological restoration treatments that1 at the time of selection for a conservation finance agreement under the pilot program established under section #ajc7;a7-- 7i7 are conducted under the ,collaborative ,forest ,landscape ,restoration ,program established under section #djjc of the ,omnibus ,public ,land ,management ,act of #bjji 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #gcjc72 7ii7 7,i7 were previously conducted under the ,program described in clause 7i72 7,,ii7 are no longer eligible for funding under that ,program due to a time limitation under subsection 7b77#a77;,b7 or 7d77#d77;,b7 of that section2 and 7,,iii7 are otherwise eligible for funding under that ,program2 7iii7 are conducted by a water source investment partnership established under section #cjc7;c7 of the ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act of #bjjc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fedb7;c772 or 7iv7 are conducted under the ,joint ,chiefs ,landscape ,restoration ,partnership ,program established under section #djhjh of the ,infrastructure ,investment and ,jobs ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feib;d74 7#c7 ,conservation finance project beneficiary ,the term conservation finance project beneficiary means a nonprofit1 for-profit1 or ,federal1 ,state1 local1 or ,tribal governmental entity or individual that-- 7,a7 benefits from conservation finance project outcomes2 and 7,b7 7i7 provides capital directly to fund a conservation finance project2 or 7ii7 repays to a conservation finance project investor up-front loaned capital for a conservation finance project at a rate of return agreed to by the entity or individual and the conservation finance project investor4 7#d7 ,conservation finance project developer ,the term conservation finance project developer means a nonprofit or for-profit intermediary that assists in developing1 financing1 funding1 or implementing a conservation finance project4 7#e7 ,conservation finance project investor ,the term conservation finance project investor means a nonprofit1 for-profit1 or ,state1 local1 or ,tribal governmental entity or individual that provides up-front loaned capital for a conservation finance project4 7#f7 ,ecological integrity ,the term ecological integrity has the meaning given the term in section #bai4ai of title #cf1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7as in effect on the date of enactment of this ,act74 7#g7 ,low-income community ,the term low-income community has the meaning given the term in section #de;,d7e7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 7#h7 ,restoration ,the term restoration has the meaning given the term in section #bai4ai of title #cf1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7as in effect on the date of enactment of this ,act74 7#i7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7#aj7 ,wildland-urban interface ,the term wildland-urban interface has the meaning given the term in section #aja of the ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act of #bjjc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feaa74 #ajb4 ,purpose ,the purpose of this title is to increase the pace and scale of forest restoration and land management projects across the ,national ,forest ,system by-- 7#a7 authorizing a pilot program with conservation finance agreement authority to leverage other ,federal and non-,federal investment 7in addition to funds appropriated to the ,forest ,service7 in landscape-scale1 multistakeholder land management activities and related natural and built infrastructure and associated local employment opportunities2 7#b7 encouraging project planning and analysis that effectively scale up to the landscape level of #ajj1jjj acres or more2 7#c7 supporting projects that emphasize-- 7,a7 the reintroduction of characteristic fire1 based on forest ecology and reference conditions1 through the use of prescribed fire1 wildfire managed for resource benefits1 or both2 7,b7 restoring terrestrial and aquatic areas that lack ecological integrity2 or 7,c7 reducing the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire and improving forest resiliency2 7#d7 requiring ecological standards and collaboration for landscape-scale projects2 and 7#e7 coordinating with ,federal1 ,state1 local1 and ,tribal entities to support the pilot program described in paragraph 7#a7 by taking full advantage of existing interagency agreements and authorities4 #ajc4 ,conservation finance agreements 7a7 ,pilot program authority ,the ,secretary shall establish a pilot program under which the ,secretary may enter into a conservation finance agreement with a public or private person1 including a for-profit or nonprofit organization1 to carry out a conservation finance project if the ,secretary finds each of the following3 7#a7 ,there is a reasonable expectation that1 throughout the contemplated agreement period1 the ,secretary will request funding for the agreement at the level required to avoid agreement cancellation4 7#b7 ,the environmental analysis for the project demonstrates that there is a supply sufficient to support a conservation finance agreement of-- 7,a7 small-diameter material2 or 7,b7 other hazardous fuels1 the removal of which would reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire4 7#c7 ,the use of the conservation finance agreement will assist in achieving the purpose described in section #ajb4 7#d7 ,the project involves a conservation finance project developer4 7b7 ,limited delegation ,the ,secretary may not delegate the pilot program authority under subsection 7a7 to a ,federal official that serves under the ,chief of the ,forest ,service4 7c7 ,limitations ,the pilot program authority under subsection 7a7-- 7#a7 may not be used to enter into more than #bj conservation finance agreements2 7#b7 may be used for the obligation under conservation finance agreements of-- 7,a7 during the #aj-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this ,act1 not more than #bej1jjj1jjj in the aggregate2 and 7,b7 not more than #ej1jjj1jjj for any #a conservation finance agreement2 and 7#c7 may not be used to reimburse for interest paid to any other entity providing funds for the applicable conservation finance project4 7d7 ,priority ,in entering into conservation finance agreements under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall give priority to projects described in that subsection that are based on restoration strategies addressing larger landscapes1 particularly landscapes of #ajj1jjj acres or more4 7e7 ,cancellation1 termination1 or modification for insufficient funding 7#a7 ,in general 7,a7 ,insufficient funding ,if funds are not made available for the continuation of a conservation finance agreement made under this section into a subsequent fiscal year1 the agreement shall be canceled1 terminated1 or modified4 7,b7 ,payment of costs ,if the ,secretary determines that it is necessary to cancel or terminate a conservation finance agreement pursuant to subparagraph 7,a71 and the conservation finance agreement includes a cancellation or termination provision as described in paragraph 7#b77;,a71 the ,secretary may pay the costs of that cancellation or termination using any of the following amounts3 7i7 ,appropriations originally available for the performance of the applicable conservation finance agreement4 7ii7 ,appropriations currently available for the type of services concerned under the applicable conservation finance agreement1 and not otherwise obligated4 7iii7 ,funds appropriated for payment of the costs of cancellation or termination4 7#b7 ,provisions in agreements 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may include cancellation or termination provisions in conservation finance agreements under this section to the extent that those provisions are necessary and in the best interests of the ,united ,states4 7,b7 ,considerations ,the cancellation or termination provisions described in subparagraph 7,a7 may include consideration of the recurring and nonrecurring costs of the conservation finance project developer under the applicable conservation finance agreement4 7#c7 ,cancellation and termination costs 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may obligate funds in stages that are economically or programmatically viable to cover any potential cancellation or termination costs related to the ,federal share of the costs under a conservation finance agreement under paragraph 7#a77;,b7 and implement the agreement pursuant to this section4 7,b7 ,advance notice to congress of cancellation or termination costs in excess of #be1jjj1jjj ,not later than #cj days before entering into a conservation finance agreement under this section that includes cancellation or termination costs in excess of #be1jjj1jjj1 but does not include proposed funding for the costs of cancelling or terminating the agreement up to the maximum cancellation or termination costs in the agreement1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources and the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,natural ,resources and the ,committee on ,agriculture of the ,house of ,representatives a written notice that includes-- 7i7 a description of the cancellation or termination cost amounts proposed for each program year in the agreement2 7ii7 the reasons why the cancellation or termination cost amounts described under clause 7i7 were selected2 7iii7 a description of the extent to which the costs of agreement cancellation or termination are not included in the budget for the agreement2 and 7iv7 an assessment of the financial risk of not including budgeting for the costs of agreement cancellation or termination4 7,c7 ,transmittal of notice to omb ,not later than #ad days after the date on which written notice is provided under subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary shall transmit a copy of the notice to the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget4 7,d7 ,determination of cancellation or termination costs specific to a conservation finance agreement ,the ,secretary may enter into a conservation finance agreement pursuant to this section that includes conservation finance project developer services in return for payments by the ,secretary in future years that are contingent on the appropriation of funds1 subject to the requirement that the ,secretary shall pay the conservation finance project developer the ,federal share of the cancellation or termination costs under the agreement pursuant to paragraph 7#a77;,b7 up to the limitation on cancellation or termination costs applicable to the agreement if funding for the completion of the agreement is not appropriated4 7f7 ,non-,federal cost share 7#a7 ,in general ,the non-,federal share of the costs of implementing a conservation finance agreement carried out using amounts made available under this title shall be not less than #dj percent of the costs of implementing the conservation finance agreement1 of which1 subject to paragraph 7#b7-- 7,a7 up to #ej percent may be reimbursed by the ,forest ,service1 subject to the availability of appropriations and subsections 7c77#c7 and 7e72 and 7,b7 not less than #ej percent shall be covered by non-,federal funding1 which may include in-kind contributions4 7#b7 ,cost share for low-income communities ,in the case of a conservation finance project that the ,secretary determines would primarily benefit #a or more low-income communities and for which the non-,federal entities involved cannot meet the cost share requirement under paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 subparagraph 7,a7 of that paragraph shall be applied by substituting #ge percent for #ej percent2 and 7,b7 subparagraph 7,b7 of that paragraph shall be applied by substituting #be percent for #ej percent4 7#c7 ,savings provision ,nothing in this subsection limits additional non-,federal financing or funding for a conservation finance project above the #dj percent minimum non-,federal cost share described in paragraph 7#a74 7g7 ,stewardship end result contracting project authorities ,a conservation finance agreement developed under this section may incorporate the authorities provided to the ,secretary and the ,chief of the ,forest ,service to enter into stewardship contracting projects under section #fjd of the ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act of #bjjc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feia;c74 #ajd4 ,report evaluating implementation ,not later than #d years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,natural ,resources and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate a report evaluating the implementation of this title1 including-- 7#a7 a list of conservation finance agreements entered into under this title and the accomplishments under the projects carried out under those agreements2 and 7#b7 an evaluation of the pilot authority for conservation finance agreements described in section #ajc1 including whether that authority has-- 7,a7 increased the availability of non-,federal funding sources to assist in landscape-scale forest restoration projects2 7,b7 promoted private or other non-,federal investment in-- 7i7 new or existing infrastructure and related equipment that can make use of the byproducts of forest restoration2 7ii7 the use of prescribed fire at a greater scale2 7iii7 related economic development and workforce training and development2 7iv7 land management activities enhancing natural infrastructure with benefits for downstream water users2 or 7v7 mitigating the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire2 and 7,c7 any barriers limiting the broader use or implementation of the pilot project authority to additional projects1 including risks that may discourage further participation and investment by outside parties4 ,,ii ,increasing ,community ,resilience to ,wildfire #bja4 ,critical infrastructure and microgrid program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,critical facility 7,a7 ,in general ,the term critical facility means a facility that provides services or may be used-- 7i7 to save lives2 7ii7 to protect property1 public health1 and public safety2 or 7iii7 to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe4 7,b7 ,inclusions ,the term critical facility includes-- 7i7 a hospital2 7ii7 an outpatient clinic2 7iii7 a nursing home2 7iv7 a police station2 7v7 an emergency operation center2 7vi7 a jail or prison2 7vii7 a fire station2 7viii7 a facility in the communications sector1 as determined by the ,secretary2 7ix7 a facility in the chemical sector1 as determined by the ,secretary2 7x7 a school or other large building that may serve as a temporary gathering space2 7xi7 a utility station1 such as a water station1 wastewater station1 community water system1 or irrigation works2 7xii7 a facility described in subparagraph 7,a7 that is owned or operated by1 or provides services to1 an ,indian ,tribe 7as defined in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd772 7xiii7 a ,federal facility1 including a military base or installation2 and 7xiv7 any other facility described in subparagraph 7,a71 as determined by the ,secretary4 7#b7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,energy4 7b7 ,critical infrastructure and microgrid program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a program-- 7,a7 to improve the energy resilience and power needs of critical facilities through the development and use of microgrids1 renewable energy1 energy efficiency1 reduced electricity demand1 and on-site storage2 7,b7 to improve the energy efficiency of critical facilities by decreasing the size and cost of generators2 7,c7 to provide technical assistance and facilitate the distribution and sharing of information to develop more resilient electricity systems 7including bulk systems and localized systems72 and 7,d7 to promulgate consumer-facing information and resources to inform the public on best practices and resources related to increasing resilience of electricity systems and reducing the impacts of extreme weather events on electricity systems4 7#b7 ,requirements ,in carrying out the program established under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall ensure1 with respect to critical facilities-- 7,a7 provision of on-site back-up power with renewable resources1 low-carbon liquid fuels1 and on-site energy storage technologies2 and 7,b7 installation1 at the transmission and distribution level1 of interoperable technologies1 advanced power flow control1 dynamic line rating1 topology optimization1 and communications systems4 7#c7 ,interested party input ,in establishing the program under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall seek the input of ,state energy regulators1 electric utilities 7as defined in section #c of the ,federal ,power ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #gif771 regional transmission organizations and independent system operators1 electric utility customers and ratepayer organizations1 local governments1 community choice aggregators or regional energy collaboratives1 and other interested parties4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,in general ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary #ajj1jjj1jjj to carry out this section1 to remain available until expended4 7#b7 ,administrative costs ,of the amount used to carry out this section1 not more than #aj percent shall be used for salaries and expenses1 administrative management1 and oversight of the program established under subsection 7b77#a74 #bjb4 ,retrofits for fire-resilient communities 7a7 ,definition of weatherization materials ,section #dab7i7 of the ,energy ,conservation and ,production ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fhfb7i77 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,i71 by striking and at the end2 7#b7 by redesignating subparagraph 7,j7 as subparagraph 7,k72 and 7#c7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,i7 the following3 7,j7 materials that are resistant to high heat and fire2 and 4 7b7 ,weatherization program 7#a7 ,in general ,section #dac7;b77#f7 of the ,energy ,conservation and ,production ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fhfc7;b77#f77 is amended-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,c71 by striking and at the end2 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,d71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,e7 owners of such dwelling units shall use fire- and drought-resistant building materials1 including mass timber1 and incorporate wildfire and drought prevention and mitigation planning1 as directed by the ,state4 4 7#b7 ,limitations ,section #dae7;c7 of the ,energy ,conservation and ,production ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fhfe7;c77 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7i7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,e7 as clauses 7i7 through 7v71 respectively1 and indenting appropriately2 7ii7 in the matter preceding clause 7i7 7as so redesignated71 in the second sentence1 by striking ,labor and all that follows through to-- and inserting the following3 7,b7 ,labor and weatherization materials ,labor1 weatherization materials1 and related matter described in subparagraph 7,a7 includes-- 2 7iii7 by striking 7c77#a7 ,except and inserting the following3 7c7 ,financial assistance 7#a7 ,average cost 7,a7 ,in general ,except 2 7iv7 in subparagraph 7,a7 7as so designated7-- 7,i7 by striking exceed an average of #f1ejj and inserting the following3 exceed-- 7i7 an average of #ac1jjj 7adjusted annually for inflation7 2 7,,ii7 in clause 7i7 7as so designated71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 or2 and 7,,iii7 by adding at the end the following3 7ii7 another average amount that is greater than the amount described in clause 7i71 if the ,secretary determines it necessary to waive or adjust the average amount established under that clause4 2 and 7v7 in subparagraph 7,b7 7as so designated7-- 7,i7 in clause 7iv7 7as so redesignated71 by striking 1 and and inserting 2 and2 and 7,,ii7 in clause 7v7 7as so redesignated71 by adding a period at the end2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#d71 by striking #c1jjj and inserting #f1jjj 7adjusted annually for inflation74 #bjc4 ,wildfire detection1 monitoring1 and analysis equipment 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,vi of the ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act of #bjjc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feia et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #fjg4 ,wildfire detection1 monitoring1 and analysis equipment ,to the extent practicable1 the ,secretary of ,agriculture and the ,secretary of the ,interior shall-- 7#a7 expedite the placement of wildfire detection equipment1 such as sensors1 cameras1 and other relevant equipment1 in areas at risk of wildfire2 7#b7 expand the use of satellite and remote sensing data and mobile technologies to assist wildfire response1 management1 and firefighter safety through improved situational awareness2 7#c7 expedite any permitting required by the ,secretary of ,agriculture or the ,secretary of the ,interior for the installation1 maintenance1 or removal of wildfire detection equipment2 7#d7 review permitting described in paragraph 7#c7 and procurement requirements for wildfire detection equipment within the context of modern and innovative technology2 7#e7 pursuant to the ,,open ,government ,data ,act 7title ,,ii of ,public ,law #aae-dce2 #acb ,stat4 #eecd71 the amendments made by that ,act1 and any guidance issued by the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget under that ,act or those amendments1 support the disclosure to the public of nonconfidential data assets the disclosure of which does not pose security risks to the public so that wildland fire data is discoverable1 understandable1 and actionable2 and 7#f7 utilize new and existing technologies to analyze performance measurements and suppression effectiveness of wildland fire incidents4 4 7b7 ,technical amendment ,the table of contents for the ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act of #bjjc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feja note2 ,public ,law #ajh-adh7 is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to title ,,vi the following3 ,sec4 #fjg4 ,wildfire detection1 monitoring1 and analysis equipment4 4 ,,iii ,research1 ,training1 and ,capacity ,building #cja4 ,western prescribed fire centers 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture and the ,secretary of the ,interior 7referred to in this section as the ,secretaries7 shall establish #a or more centers to train individuals in prescribed fire methods and other methods relevant to the mitigation of wildfire risk 7referred to in this section as a center74 7b7 ,host institutions ,the #a or more centers shall be-- 7#a7 located at #a or more institutions of higher education2 or 7#b7 developed in collaboration with #a or more institutions of higher education4 7c7 ,goals ,the #a or more centers shall advance the following goals3 7#a7 ,training individuals and conducting research on prescribed fire methods and other restoration methods relevant to the mitigation of wildfire risk4 7#b7 ,developing and advancing interdisciplinary science relating to wildfire1 including social science and human dimensions of wildfire1 in consultation with stakeholders who-- 7,a7 need that science2 7,b7 will benefit from the outcomes of that science2 and 7,c7 will coordinate with #a or more other centers in developing and advancing that science4 7#c7 ,conducting ongoing and forward-looking needs assessments among stakeholders1 including ,federal and ,state agencies and ,indian ,tribes1 to determine common need requirements and emerging challenges to reduce wildfire risk and adapt communities to increased risk from wildfire1 including the following hazard-related focus areas3 7,a7 ,increasing disaster resilience4 7,b7 ,mitigation and management methods4 7,c7 ,air quality4 7,d7 ,firestorm weather forecasting and burn-area debris flow forecasting1 including empirical and modeling research4 7#d7 ,collaborating with ,federal wildfire scientists at the ,forest ,service1 the ,department of the ,interior1 and other related agencies4 7#e7 ,identifying1 through a detailed engagement process targeting defined end-users1 the requirements and delivery mechanisms for products and services that are practical and will have an impact on mitigating wildfire risk4 7#f7 ,promoting technology transfer with pathways for dissemination1 implementation1 and application of research results on the ground1 using and enhancing previous research4 7#g7 ,ensuring the connectivity and interoperability of distributed services to maximize synergies and benefits across services4 7#h7 ,developing open digital infrastructure to make research data1 science1 and models open for all sectors to use4 7#i7 ,understanding the effectiveness of historical and current wildfire management and suppression strategies1 including on wildfires that start in wilderness areas1 wilderness study areas1 or inventoried roadless areas4 7d7 ,location 7#a7 ,in general ,the #a or more centers shall be located in any ,state the entirety of which is located west of the #ajjth meridian4 7#b7 ,consultation ,the ,secretaries shall consult with the ,joint ,fire ,science ,program to solicit and evaluate proposals for the location of the #a or more centers4 7#c7 ,selection ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 based on the consultation under paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretaries shall select a location for the #a or more centers4 #cjb4 ,innovative forest workforce development program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,career in forestry and fire management ,the term career in forestry and fire management means a career in a field relating to forests and the restoration to the natural fire regimes of forests1 including-- 7,a7 in timber operations2 7,b7 as a registered professional forester2 7,c7 in vegetation treatment1 including as a member of a hand crew1 a machine operator1 and in conducting prescribed fires as part of a fire restoration workforce that is capable of conducting large landscape restorative and maintenance prescribed fires2 7,d7 in ecological restoration1 including restoration of watersheds2 7,e7 in wildland fire fighting2 and 7,f7 in community fire resilience1 including workforce development projects4 7#b7 ,forestry and fire management ,the term forestry and fire management includes the areas of fields relating to forests described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,f7 of paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7b7 ,grants authorized ,the ,secretary shall establish a competitive grant program-- 7#a7 to assist in the development and utilization of innovative activities relating to workforce development in forestry and fire management and opportunities for careers in forestry and fire management2 and 7#b7 to expand public awareness about forestry and fire management and connect individuals to careers in forestry and fire management4 7c7 ,selection of grant recipients ,in awarding grants under subsection 7b71 the ,secretary shall1 to the extent practicable1 select nonprofit professional or service organizations1 labor organizations1 ,state agencies1 community colleges1 institutions of higher education1 or other training and educational institutions-- 7#a7 that have qualifications and experience-- 7,a7 in the development of training programs and curricula relevant to the workforce needs of forestry and fire management2 7,b7 working in cooperation with forestry and fire management2 or 7,c7 developing public education materials appropriate for communicating with groups of various ages and educational backgrounds2 and 7#b7 that will address the human resources and workforce needs of forestry and fire management4 7d7 ,use of funds ,grants awarded under subsection 7b7 may be used for activities such as-- 7#a7 targeted internships1 apprenticeships1 pre-apprenticeships1 and post-secondary bridge programs for skilled forestry and fire management trades that provide-- 7,a7 on-the-job training2 7,b7 skills development2 7,c7 test preparation for skilled trade apprenticeships2 7,d7 advance training in forestry and fire management relating to jobs as forest restorationists1 members of hand crews1 wildland fire fighters1 machine operators1 licensed timber operators1 registered professional foresters1 ecologists1 biologists1 or workers in construction in support of resilient infrastructure1 including residential buildings2 or 7,e7 other support services to facilitate post-secondary success2 7#b7 education programs designed for elementary1 secondary1 and higher education students that-- 7,a7 inform people about the role of forestry1 vegetation management1 and ecological restoration in the communities of those people2 7,b7 increase the awareness of opportunities for careers in forestry and fire management and exposure of students to those careers through various work-based learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom2 and 7,c7 connect students to pathways to careers in forestry and fire management2 7#c7 the development of a model curriculum and related vocational programs to be adopted by community colleges1 which1 to the extent practicable and feasible1 shall-- 7,a7 provide professional training in implementing prescribed fire projects1 including the knowledge and skills necessary to plan and implement broad-scale surface and ladder fuel treatments within the wildland-urban interface1 wildlands1 and urbanized areas1 as appropriate2 7,b7 include a focus on the ecological concerns1 economics1 and practices necessary to improve community safety and forest resilience2 and 7,c7 train students in-- 7i7 the retrofitting of houses1 including the use of fire-resistant materials and the maintenance of defensible space2 7ii7 urban forestry2 and 7iii7 policies or guidance relating to the management of vegetation near utility infrastructure and relevant portions of electric utility wildfire mitigation plans2 7#d7 regional industry and workforce development collaborations1 including the coordination of candidate development1 particularly in areas of high unemployment2 7#e7 integrated learning laboratories in secondary educational institutions that provide students with-- 7,a7 hands-on1 contextualized learning opportunities2 7,b7 dual enrollment credit for post-secondary education and training programs2 and 7,c7 direct connection to industry or government employers2 and 7#f7 leadership development1 occupational training1 mentoring1 or cross-training programs that ensure that workers are prepared for high-level supervisory or management-level positions4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out this section such sums as are necessary4 #cjc4 ,national community capacity and land stewardship grant program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,community capacity ,the term community capacity means the ability of an eligible entity to carry out or assist in a land stewardship activity4 7#b7 ,disadvantaged community ,the term disadvantaged community means-- 7,a7 a low-income community 7as defined in section #de;,d7e7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf72 and 7,b7 a community that includes a significant population that has been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic1 social1 and civic life based on a particular characteristic1 such as ,black1 ,latino1 ,indigenous1 and ,native ,american persons1 ,asian ,americans1 ,pacific ,islanders1 and other persons of color4 7#c7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means any the following entities that is located in or represents a disadvantaged community3 7,a7 ,an organization described in section #eja7;c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf and exempt from taxation under section #eja7;a7 of that ,code4 7,b7 ,a collaborative group fiscally sponsored by an organization described in subparagraph 7,a74 7,c7 ,a unit of local government4 7,d7 ,an ,indian ,tribe4 7,e7 ,a special district government1 as defined by the ,director of the ,bureau of the ,census4 7#d7 ,ecological integrity ,the term ecological integrity has the meaning given the term in section #bai4ai of title #cf1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7as in effect on the date of enactment of this ,act74 7#e7 ,indian tribe ,the term ,indian ,tribe has the meaning given the term in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd74 7#f7 ,land stewardship activity ,the term land stewardship activity means any of the following activities1 as applied to a qualifying project3 7,a7 ,planning4 7,b7 ,collaboration and building community support4 7,c7 ,implementation on land other than ,national ,forest ,system land4 7,d7 ,monitoring1 including multiparty monitoring1 and adaptive management4 7#g7 ,qualifying project ,the term qualifying project means any of the following activities that takes place at least in substantial part on ,national ,forest ,system land or national grasslands3 7,a7 ,restoration of the ecological integrity of a forest1 meadow1 grassland1 prairie1 or other habitat4 7,b7 ,tribal management for aligned cultural and ecological values4 7,c7 ,enhancing community wildfire resilience in the wildland-urban interface4 7,d7 ,increasing equitable access to environmental education and volunteerism opportunities4 7#h7 ,restoration ,the term restoration has the meaning given the term in section #bai4ai of title #cf1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7as in effect on the date of enactment of this ,act74 7#i7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 acting through-- 7,a7 the regional offices of the ,state and ,private ,forestry ,deputy ,area of the ,forest ,service2 and 7,b7 as appropriate1 regional offices of other ,deputy ,areas of the ,forest ,service4 7b7 ,purpose ,the purpose of this section is to support increasing community capacity1 partnerships1 and collaborations within and involving disadvantaged communities for land stewardship activities and restoration of ecological integrity on-- 7#a7 ,national ,forest ,system land2 7#b7 national grasslands2 and 7#c7 adjacent private1 ,state1 and trust land associated with the health and resilience of land described in paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b74 7c7 ,administration 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may issue grants to eligible entities for increasing community capacity for land stewardship activities and related activities based on the criteria described in subsection 7d74 7#b7 ,federal cost-share 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may fund up to #ajj percent of the cost of land stewardship activities and related activities carried out using a grant issued under paragraph 7#a74 7,b7 ,matching eligibility ,a grant issued under this section may be considered a non-,federal matching contribution from the eligible entity that received the grant towards other sources of ,federal funding4 7#c7 ,duration ,the ,secretary may issue a grant under paragraph 7#a7 for a period of #a or more years4 7#d7 ,maximum grant amount ,the amount of a grant issued under paragraph 7#a7 shall be not more than #ej1jjj per year4 7#e7 ,applicable laws ,the ,secretary shall administer grants under paragraph 7#a7 in accordance with all applicable ,federal and ,state laws4 7d7 ,criteria for awarding grants 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary shall award grants to eligible entities under subsection 7c77#a7 on a competitive basis in accordance with the following criteria3 7,a7 ,the extent to which the proposed land stewardship activities benefit units of the ,national ,forest ,system and national grasslands over the short and long term4 7,b7 ,the extent to which valuable ecological1 economic1 and social benefits to disadvantaged communities1 including job creation and business development or retention1 are likely to result from the scope of the land stewardship activities4 7,c7 ,the extent to which the grant would benefit disadvantaged communities that have historically received less investment in collaborative capacity4 7,d7 ,the extent to which the proposal brings together diverse interests through planning1 collaboration1 implementation1 or monitoring of land stewardship activities to benefit units of the ,national ,forest ,system or national grasslands4 7,e7 ,the extent to which the grant funds appear to be critical for the success of the eligible entity and the identified land stewardship activities4 7,f7 ,the extent to which the budget for the land stewardship activities is reasonable given the anticipated outcomes4 7#b7 ,set-aside for indian tribes ,the ,secretary shall allocate not less than #aj percent of the funding awarded under this section to ,indian ,tribes or eligible entities representing ,indian ,tribes4 7e7 ,annual reviews 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish and maintain an advisory panel composed of not more than #ae members to provide feedback each year to each regional office of the ,state and ,private ,forestry ,deputy ,area of the ,forest ,service on the extent to which the implementation of this section by the regional office is fulfilling the purpose described in subsection 7b74 7#b7 ,inclusions ,the advisory panel established under paragraph 7#a7 shall include representation from a diversity of public land stakeholders from across interest groups1 including-- 7,a7 not fewer than #h members representing the interests of a diversity of disadvantaged communities2 and 7,b7 not fewer than #b members representing not fewer than #b ,indian ,tribes4 7#c7 ,exemption ,the advisory panel established under paragraph 7#a7 shall be exempt from the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app474 7f7 ,report evaluating program implementation 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #d years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,natural ,resources and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate a report evaluating the implementation of this section1 including-- 7,a7 a list of the eligible entities and land stewardship activities selected for funding under this section and the accomplishments of those activities2 and 7,b7 an evaluation of the extent to which the implementation of this section is fulfilling the purpose described in subsection 7b74 7#b7 ,consultation2 contracting ,in preparing the report under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary-- 7,a7 shall consult with the advisory panel established under subsection 7e77#a72 and 7,b7 may contract with a third party to complete an evaluation of the implementation of this section to inform the report4 7g7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,in general ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out this section #ej1jjj1jjj for the period of fiscal years #bjbd through #bjbh4 7#b7 ,distribution ,the ,secretary shall distribute amounts made available under paragraph 7#a7 to the regional offices of the ,state and ,private ,forestry ,deputy ,area and1 as appropriate1 regional offices of other ,deputy ,areas1 of the ,forest ,service to administer the grants under this section4 7#c7 ,administrative costs ,not more than #aj percent of any amounts made available to carry out this section may be used for administrative management and program oversight4