Bentz, Merkley Introduce Wildfire Reduction Act to Expand Woody Biomass Definition

Republican Representative Cliff Bentz of Oregon’s 2nd district and Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley introduced the Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026. The bipartisan bill, co‑sponsored by Representative Bennie Thompson and Senator Cindy Hyde‑Smith, seeks to broaden the Clean Air Act’s definition of woody biomass to include low‑value wood from active forest management, hazardous‑fuel reduction, ecological restoration and manufacturing residuals.

The legislation aims to create new markets for this material, expand the Renewable Fuel Standard to cover woody biomass removed from federal forest lands, and reduce wildfire risk by encouraging removal of excess trees and brush. Proponents say the measure would lower fire‑suppression costs, protect forest health, improve watersheds, and provide renewable‑fuel opportunities for communities across Oregon and the nation. Oregon wildfires have already burned more than one million acres this season.

If enacted, the act would provide financial support for the removal, transport and processing of qualified wood, helping to turn otherwise hazardous material into a renewable resource while mitigating future wildfire damage.