The U.S. House of Representatives this week unanimously approved and sent to the U.S. Senate a bipartisan bill led by U.S. Rep. Vince Fong (R-CA) that would develop the use of advanced, unmanned aircraft technology to improve aerial responses to wildfires.
Specifically, the Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) Act, H.R. 390, which Rep. Fong sponsored in January 2025 alongside lead cosponsor U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), would utilize the Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response to Operations project of NASA to improve aerial responses to wildfires.
“I’m grateful for the strong support the ACERO Act received here in the House and urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass it as soon as possible,” the congressman said.
Currently, federal and state agencies are limited by outdated and fragmented communication systems when coordinating aerial wildfire responses.
If enacted, H.R. 390 would modernize wildfire response capabilities by directing NASA to enhance airspace management and integrate advanced technologies; foster collaboration by promoting partnerships with other agencies, research institutions, and private industry; and ensure accountability by requiring annual progress reports to Congress through 2030.
Additionally, the bill would prohibit NASA from procuring drones for this program from foreign adversaries like China, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used to support innovation here at home, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Fong’s staff.
“Today’s unanimous passage of the ACERO Act is an important step toward modernizing our wildfire response and equipping our firefighters with the advanced tools they need to safely protect our communities,” said Rep. Fong on Monday. “By leveraging cutting-edge technology developed at NASA Armstrong here in our community, my bipartisan legislation delivers real solutions that will save lives and property across the country.”
Among numerous supporters of the bill are the United Aerial Firefighters Association, the Oregon Department of Aviation, and the Association of Firetech Innovation.