H.R. 2026: Ending Major Borderland Environmental Ruin from Wildfires (EMBER) Act

The bill titled the "Ending Major Borderland Environmental Ruin from Wildfires (EMBER) Act" aims to address environmental degradation and wildfires associated with illegal immigration along the southern border of the United States. Below is an overview of the key components of the bill:

Establishment of the Southern Border Fuels Management Initiative

The bill mandates the creation of a program known as the Southern Border Fuels Management Initiative within one year of its enactment. Its primary objectives are:

• To reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires and enhance the resilience of landscapes along the southern border.
• To improve operational control of the southern border.
• To enhance visibility for law enforcement to ensure safety.

As part of this initiative, the Secretary of the Interior will be responsible for various activities, including:

• Reducing hazardous fuels along the southern border.
• Managing invasive or non-native species that could exacerbate wildfire risks or interfere with border control efforts.
• Installing fuel breaks to prevent the spread of wildfires.
• Setting annual targets for treatment areas.

The initiative will coordinate with agencies such as the Forest Service and the U.S. Border Patrol and has a budget of $3.66 million authorized for each fiscal year from 2026 to 2032.

Mitigation of Environmental Damage

The bill requires the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, to establish policies and protocols within 90 days of enactment to:

• Prevent wildfires ignited by individuals without lawful immigration status.
• Avoid environmental damage on federal lands caused by such individuals.

These protocols may include:

• Reducing trash accumulation in ecologically sensitive areas.
• Preventing ignitions of wildfires in areas at risk of severe damage.
• Addressing the destruction of sensitive natural and archaeological resources.
• Considering the impact on critical wildlife habitats and public infrastructure.

A report detailing these efforts, including the incidents of environmental degradation, will be submitted to Congress within one year of the bill's enactment.

Reporting and Review

The Secretary will be required to submit a report that includes:

• Description of the established mitigation protocols.
• Catalog of wildfires and environmental incidents tied to individuals without lawful immigration status, detailing damage and clean-up costs.
• Assessment of the need for additional resources or authorities to improve management practices related to wildfires and environmental protection.

Moreover, the Comptroller General of the United States will update a previous report on wildland fire management to include findings relevant to border states within two years of the bill's enactment.

Funding and Duration

The program outlined in this bill is set to terminate seven years following its enactment, and funding will be appropriated for the designated period to support the outlined initiatives.

Relevant Companies

• PLNT (Planet Fitness, Inc.) - Potential impact due to environmental policies affecting public lands where fitness and outdoor activities may be restricted or regulated.
• UA (Under Armour, Inc.) - Possible implications for outdoor apparel and gear due to changes in land access policies related to environmental management initiatives.