119th (2025–2027)
S. 4812
The FIRE SMART Act of 2026 modifies Environmental Protection Agency regulations governing drinking water funding programs to help rural and smaller communities prepare for wildfires. The bill requires the EPA to revise its rules within two years to allow drinking water infrastructure funds to support water systems used for fire suppression in areas at high risk of wildfires, such as communities that have developed wildfire protection plans. These changes would enable rural municipalities to use existing federal water infrastructure funding to improve water delivery systems, storage capacity, and system consolidation for dual purposes of both drinking water safety and firefighting capability. The legislation takes effect immediately upon enactment, allowing communities to begin pursuing these funds right away while the EPA completes the formal regulatory updates. By expanding the eligible uses of these federal drinking water grants and loans, the bill aims to help smaller communities in fire-prone areas strengthen their firefighting infrastructure without requiring new appropriations.