Ending Major Borderland Environmental Ruin from Wildfires (EMBER) Act

This legislation aims to address environmental degradation and wildland fires along the southern border, which it attributes to illegal immigration. It mandates the establishment of a Southern Border Fuels Management Initiative within one year of enactment, led by the Secretary of the Interior. The Initiative's primary goals are to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires, improve operational control of the southern border, and enhance visibility and safety for law enforcement personnel. This program focuses on proactive measures to protect natural resources and support border security operations. Under this Initiative, the Secretary will conduct activities such as reducing hazardous fuels, addressing invasive species that contribute to wildfire risk, and installing fuel breaks. The bill authorizes $3,660,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2032 for these efforts, with the Initiative terminating after seven years. Additionally, the legislation requires the Secretary concerned, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, to establish policies and protocols within 90 days. These measures are designed to mitigate wildland fires ignited by and environmental degradation caused by individuals without lawful immigration status crossing the southern border. These protocols should specifically consider reducing trash accumulation, preventing fire ignition, and addressing damage to sensitive natural and archaeological resources and wildlife habitats. Finally, the bill mandates a report to Congress within one year detailing the established policies, cataloging incidents of environmental degradation and fires, and estimating cleanup costs. It also requires an update to a 2011 Comptroller General report to include information from all Border States, providing a comprehensive overview of the issue and necessary resources.