332 
HR 5118 RDS
(A) ensure the efficient administration of 
the claims process; and 
(B) provide for local concerns. 
(8) ELECTION OF REMEDY.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—An injured person may 
elect to seek compensation from the United 
States for 1 or more injuries resulting from the 
Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire by— 
(i) submitting a claim under this sec-
tion; 
(ii) filing a claim or bringing a civil 
action under chapter 171 of title 28, 
United States Code (commonly known as 
the ‘‘Federal Tort Claims Act’’); or 
(iii) bringing an authorized civil action 
under any other provision of law. 
(B) EFFECT OF ELECTION.—An election 
by an injured person to seek compensation in 
any manner described in subparagraph (A) 
shall be final and conclusive on the claimant 
with respect to all injuries resulting from the 
Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire that are suf-
fered by the claimant. 
(C) ARBITRATION.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00332
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
333 
HR 5118 RDS
(i) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 45 
days after the date of enactment of this 
Act, the Administrator shall establish by 
regulation procedures under which a dis-
pute regarding a claim submitted under 
this section may be settled by arbitration. 
(ii) ARBITRATION
AS
REMEDY.—On 
establishment of arbitration procedures 
under clause (i), an injured person that 
submits a disputed claim under this section 
may elect to settle the claim through arbi-
tration. 
(iii) BINDING
EFFECT.—An election 
by an injured person to settle a claim 
through arbitration under this subpara-
graph shall— 
(I) be binding; and 
(II) preclude any exercise by the 
injured person of the right to judicial 
review of a claim described in para-
graph (9). 
(D) NO
EFFECT
ON
ENTITLEMENTS.— 
Nothing in this section affects any right of a 
claimant to file a claim for benefits under any 
Federal entitlement program. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00333
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
334 
HR 5118 RDS
(9) JUDICIAL REVIEW.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Any claimant aggrieved 
by a final decision of the Administrator under 
this section may, not later than 60 days after 
the date on which the decision is issued, bring 
a civil action in the United States District 
Court for the District of New Mexico, to modify 
or set aside the decision, in whole or in part. 
(B) RECORD.—The court shall hear a civil 
action under subparagraph (A) on the record 
made before the Administrator. 
(C) STANDARD.—The decision of the Ad-
ministrator incorporating the findings of the 
Administrator shall be upheld if the decision is 
supported by substantial evidence on the record 
considered as a whole. 
(10) ATTORNEY’S AND AGENT’S FEES.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—No attorney or agent, 
acting alone or in combination with any other 
attorney or agent, shall charge, demand, re-
ceive, or collect, for services rendered in connec-
tion with a claim submitted under this section, 
fees in excess of the limitations established 
under section 2678 of title 28, United States 
Code. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00334
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
335 
HR 5118 RDS
(B) VIOLATION.—An attorney or agent 
who violates subparagraph (A) shall be fined 
not more than $10,000. 
(11) WAIVER OF REQUIREMENT FOR MATCHING 
FUNDS.— 
(A) STATE AND LOCAL PROJECT.— 
(i) IN
GENERAL.—Notwithstanding 
any other provision of law, a State or local 
project that is determined by the Adminis-
trator to be carried out in response to the 
Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire under any 
Federal program that applies to an area 
affected by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon 
Fire shall not be subject to any require-
ment for State or local matching funds to 
pay the cost of the project under the Fed-
eral program. 
(ii) FEDERAL
SHARE.—The Federal 
share of the costs of a project described in 
clause (i) shall be 100 percent. 
(B) OTHER
NEEDS
PROGRAM
ASSIST-
ANCE.—Notwithstanding section 408(g)(2) of 
the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
Emergency 
Assistance 
Act 
(42 
U.S.C. 
5174(g)(2)), for any emergency or major dis-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00335
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
336 
HR 5118 RDS
aster declared by the President under that Act 
for the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, the 
Federal share of assistance provided under that 
section shall be 100 percent. 
(12) APPLICABILITY OF DEBT COLLECTION RE-
QUIREMENTS.—Section 3711(a) of title 31, United 
States Code, shall not apply to any payment under 
this section, unless— 
(A) there is evidence of civil or criminal 
fraud, misrepresentation, presentation of a false 
claim; or 
(B) a claimant was not eligible under para-
graph (4)(B) of this section to any partial pay-
ment. 
(13) INDIAN COMPENSATION.—Notwithstanding 
any other provision of law, in the case of an Indian 
Tribe, a Tribal entity, or a member of an Indian 
Tribe that submits a claim under this section— 
(A) the Bureau of Indian Affairs shall 
have no authority over, or any trust obligation 
regarding, any aspect of the submission of, or 
any payment received for, the claim; 
(B) the Indian Tribe, Tribal entity, or 
member of an Indian Tribe shall be entitled to 
proceed under this section in the same manner 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00336
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
337 
HR 5118 RDS
and to the same extent as any other injured 
person; and 
(C) except with respect to land damaged 
by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire that is 
the subject of the claim, the Bureau of Indian 
Affairs shall have no responsibility to restore 
land damaged by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Can-
yon Fire. 
(14) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of promulgation of regulations under paragraph 
(6)(A), and annually thereafter, the Administrator 
shall submit to Congress a report that describes the 
claims submitted under this section during the year 
preceding the date of submission of the report, in-
cluding, for each claim— 
(A) the amount claimed; 
(B) a brief description of the nature of the 
claim; and 
(C) the status or disposition of the claim, 
including the amount of any payment under 
this section. 
(15) AUTHORIZATION
OF
APPROPRIATIONS.— 
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums 
as are necessary to carry out this section. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00337
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
338 
HR 5118 RDS
SEC. 105. FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE COST SHARE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 420 of the Robert T. 
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act is 
amended— 
(1) by redesignating subsection (e) as sub-
section (f); and 
(2) by inserting after subsection (d) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(e) FEDERAL SHARE.—The Federal share of assist-
ance under this section shall be not less than 75 percent 
of the eligible cost of such assistance.’’. 
(b) APPLICABILITY.—The amendment made by sub-
section (a) shall only apply to amounts appropriated on 
or after the date of enactment of this Act. 
(c) RULEMAKING.—Not later than 3 years after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the President, acting 
through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency, shall conduct and complete a rule-
making to provide criteria for the circumstances under 
which the Administrator may recommend the President in-
crease the Federal cost share for section 420 of the Robert 
T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act 
(42 U.S.C. 5187). Such criteria shall include a threshold 
metric that assesses the financial impact to a State or 
local government from responding to a fire for which fire 
management assistance is being provided. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00338
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
339 
HR 5118 RDS
SEC. 106. TRANSITIONAL SHELTERING ASSISTANCE. 
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) INDIVIDUAL AT RISK OF WILDFIRE SMOKE 
RELATED ILLNESS.—The term ‘‘individual at risk of 
wildfire smoke related illness’’ means an individual, 
living in an area where the air quality index is deter-
mined to be unhealthy for not less than 3 consecu-
tive days as a result of a wildfire, who is— 
(A) a low-income individual; 
(B) a parent or guardian with a child who 
has not attained 19 years of age; 
(C) a pregnant woman; 
(D) an individual who is 65 years of age 
or older; 
(E) an individual with chronic respiratory 
or cardiovascular illness; or 
(F) an individual with a chronic disease 
that is exacerbated by smoke inhalation. 
(2) LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUAL.—The term ‘‘low- 
income individual’’ means an individual from a fam-
ily whose taxable income (as defined in section 63 of 
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) for the pre-
ceding year did not exceed 200 percent of an 
amount equal to the poverty level, as determined by 
using criteria of poverty established by the Bureau 
of the Census. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00339
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
340 
HR 5118 RDS
(3) QUALIFIED ENTITY.—The term ‘‘qualified 
entity’’ means— 
(A) a State or unit of local government; 
(B) a local public health authority; and 
(C) a coordinated care organization. 
(b) TRANSITIONAL SHELTERING ASSISTANCE PRO-
GRAM.—In carrying out the Transitional Sheltering As-
sistance Program of the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency under section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Dis-
aster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
5170b), the President shall— 
(1) provide assistance to a qualified entity to 
purchase and provide, to an individual at risk of 
wildfire smoke related illness, smoke-inhalation pre-
vention equipment, including— 
(A) a portable air filtration unit; 
(B) an air filter; 
(C) a face mask or respirator, such as— 
(i) an N95 respirator; 
(ii) a P100 respirator; or 
(iii) other equipment certified by the 
National Institute for Occupational Safety 
and Health to protect from airborne par-
ticle exposure; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00340
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
341 
HR 5118 RDS
(D) low-cost equipment to keep smoke out 
of a house, such as: 
(i) a weather strip; 
(ii) not more than 1 portable air-con-
ditioning unit per household; 
(iii) ventilation equipment; 
(iv) a screening and shading device; or 
(v) a window covering; or 
(E) other similarly effective devices; and 
(2) in any case in which smoke-inhalation pre-
vention equipment is not sufficient to mitigate the 
risk of illness, provide cost-efficient transitional shel-
ter assistance to an individual at risk of wildfire 
smoke related illness. 
(c) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made by this 
section shall apply with respect to any amounts appro-
priated after the date of enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 107. GRID RESILIENCE STUDY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this section, the Federal Energy Reg-
ulatory Commission and the Department of Energy shall 
jointly— 
(1) conduct a study on the need for, and feasi-
bility of, establishing or modifying a reliability 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00341
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
342 
HR 5118 RDS
standard to ensure the reliable operation of thermo-
electric power plants during droughts; and 
(2) submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress the results of such study. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the term ‘‘appro-
priate committees of Congress’’ means— 
(1) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of 
the House of Representatives; and 
(2) the Committee on Energy and Natural Re-
sources of the Senate. 
SEC. 108. NONNATIVE PLANT SPECIES REMOVAL GRANT 
PROGRAM. 
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—The term ‘‘eligible enti-
ty’’ means a partnership between 2 or more entities 
that— 
(A) shall include— 
(i) at least 1 flood control district; 
and 
(ii) at least 1 city, county, township, 
town, borough, parish, village, or other 
general purpose political subdivision of a 
State or Indian tribe (as defined in section 
4 of the Indian Self-Determination and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00342
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
343 
HR 5118 RDS
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 
5304)); and 
(B) may include any other entity (such as 
a nonprofit organization or institution of higher 
education), as determined by the Secretary. 
(2) NONNATIVE
PLANT
SPECIES.—The term 
‘‘nonnative plant species’’ means a plant species 
that— 
(A) is nonnative or alien to an ecosystem; 
and 
(B) if introduced to that ecosystem, will 
cause, or is likely to cause, economic harm, en-
vironmental harm, or harm to human health. 
(3) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means 
the Secretary of Agriculture. 
(b) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall establish 
a grant program to award grants, on a competitive basis, 
to eligible entities— 
(1) to remove nonnative plant species in ripar-
ian areas that contribute to drought conditions; 
(2) to replace those nonnative plant species 
with native plant species; and 
(3) to maintain and monitor riparian areas in 
which nonnative plant species have been removed 
and replaced. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00343
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
344 
HR 5118 RDS
(c) APPLICATIONS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—To be eligible to receive a 
grant under this section, an eligible entity shall sub-
mit to the Secretary an application at such time, in 
such manner, and containing such information as 
the Secretary may require, including— 
(A) a plan for how the eligible entity will 
use grant funds to carry out the activities de-
scribed in paragraphs (1) through (3) of sub-
section (b); 
(B) a description of the manner in which 
the eligible entity has carried out the consulta-
tion required under paragraph (2); and 
(C) information demonstrating that each 
native plant species described in subsection 
(b)(2) will— 
(i)(I) reduce flood risk; 
(II) improve hydrology and water 
storage capacities; or 
(III) reduce fire hazard; and 
(ii) protect and restore rivers and 
streams and associated riparian habitats, 
including fish and wildlife resources that 
are dependent on those habitats. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00344
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
345 
HR 5118 RDS
(2) CONSULTATION.—An eligible entity seeking 
a grant under this section shall consult with local 
stakeholders, including conservation groups, to cre-
ate the plan described in paragraph (1)(A). 
(d) REPORT.—An eligible entity that receives a grant 
under this section shall submit to the Secretary a report 
at such time, in such manner, and containing such infor-
mation as the Secretary may require, including informa-
tion on methodology and outcomes of nonnative plant spe-
cies removal and replacement efforts. 
(e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is 
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
$10,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 and each fiscal year 
thereafter. 
SEC. 109. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR RESEARCH ON 
WILDFIRE SMOKE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
Environmental Protection Agency (referred to in this sec-
tion as the ‘‘Administrator’’) shall establish at institutions 
of higher education 4 centers, each of which shall be 
known as a ‘‘Center of Excellence for Wildfire Smoke’’, 
to carry out research relating to— 
(1) the effects on public health of smoke emis-
sions from wildland fires; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00345
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
346 
HR 5118 RDS
(2) the means by which communities can better 
respond to the impacts of emissions from wildland 
fires. 
(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is 
authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to 
carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
2023 through 2027. 
SEC. 110. COMMUNITY SMOKE PLANNING. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
Environmental Protection Agency (referred to in this sec-
tion as the ‘‘Administrator’’) shall establish a competitive 
grant program to assist eligible entities described in sub-
section (b) in developing and implementing collaborative 
community plans for mitigating the impacts of smoke 
emissions from wildland fires. 
(b) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.—An entity that is eligible 
to submit an application for a grant under subsection (a) 
is— 
(1) a State, as defined in section 302 of the 
Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7602); 
(2) an air pollution control agency, as defined 
in section 302 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 
7602); 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00346
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
347 
HR 5118 RDS
(3) a municipality, as defined in section 302 of 
the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7602); or 
(4) an Indian tribe, as defined in section 302 
of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7602). 
(c) APPLICATIONS.—To be eligible to receive a grant 
under subsection (a), an eligible entity described in sub-
section (b) shall submit to the Administrator an applica-
tion at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
information as the Administrator may require. 
(d) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—The Administrator 
may use amounts made available to carry out this section 
to provide to eligible entities described in subsection (b) 
technical assistance in— 
(1) submitting grant applications under sub-
section (c); or 
(2) carrying out projects using a grant under 
this section. 
(e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is 
authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to 
carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
2023 through 2027. 
SEC. 111. DISASTER EQUITY AND FAIRNESS. 
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section— 
(1) the term ‘‘Administrator’’ means the Ad-
ministrator of the Agency; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00347
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
348 
HR 5118 RDS
(2) the term ‘‘Agency’’ means the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency; 
(3) the term ‘‘emergency’’ means an emergency 
declared or determined to exist by the President 
under section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
5191); 
(4) the terms ‘‘Indian tribal government’’ and 
‘‘local government’’ have the meanings given such 
terms in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Dis-
aster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
U.S.C. 5122); and 
(5) the term ‘‘major disaster’’ means a major 
disaster declared by the President under section 401 
of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emer-
gency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170). 
(b) INCREASE COST-SHARE FOR CONSECUTIVE IM-
PACTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding the provi-
sions of law described in paragraph (2), for assist-
ance provided under sections 403, 404, 406, 408, 
420, and 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Re-
lief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
5170b, 5170c, 5172, 5174, 5187, 5189f) to a local 
government or Indian tribal government in connec-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00348
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
349 
HR 5118 RDS
tion with the second, or subsequent, major disaster 
during any 3-year period, the Federal share shall be 
not less than 90 percent of the eligible cost of such 
assistance. 
(2) PROVISIONS.—The provisions of law de-
scribed in this paragraph are sections 403(b), 
403(c)(4), 
404(a), 
406(b), 
408(d), 
408(g)(2), 
420(a), and 428(e)(2)(B) of the Robert T. Stafford 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
U.S.C. 5170b(b), 5170b(c)(4), 5170c(a), 5172(b), 
5174(d), 5174(g)(2), 5187(a), 5189f(e)(2)). 
(c) STATE AND LOCAL PLANS FOR MEAL DELIV-
ERY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Title IV of the Robert T. 
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance 
Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 et seq.) is amended by adding 
at the end the following: 
‘‘SEC. 431. STATE AND LOCAL PLANS FOR MEAL DELIVERY. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator may provide 
assistance to a State, local government, or Indian tribal 
government to reimburse the cost of coordinating food de-
livery, production, and distribution in the event of a major 
disaster, including— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00349
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
350 
HR 5118 RDS
‘‘(1) establishing a network to coordinate food 
delivery, production, and distribution with businesses 
and private nonprofit organizations; 
‘‘(2) establishing contracts with small and mid- 
sized restaurants, food vendors, and private non-
profit organizations, including faith-based organiza-
tions, food banks, and soup kitchens, to prepare 
healthy meals for people in need; and 
‘‘(3) partnering with private nonprofit organiza-
tions, including faith-based organizations, food 
banks, and soup kitchens to purchase directly from 
food producers and farmers. 
‘‘(b) FEDERAL SHARE.—The Federal share of the 
cost of an activity carried out using assistance under this 
section shall be— 
‘‘(1) not less than 90 percent of the eligible cost 
of food delivery, production, and distribution during 
the 30-day period beginning on the date of the dec-
laration of the major disaster; and 
‘‘(2) not less than 90 percent of such eligible 
cost after the end of the 30-day period described in 
paragraph (1).’’. 
(2) EMERGENCIES.—Section 502(a) of the Rob-
ert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency As-
sistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5192(a)) is amended— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00350
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
351 
HR 5118 RDS
(A) in paragraph (7), by striking ‘‘and’’ at 
the end; 
(B) by redesignating paragraph (8) as 
paragraph (9); and 
(C) by inserting after paragraph (7) the 
following: 
‘‘(8) provide assistance for food delivery, pro-
duction, and distribution in accordance with section 
431; and’’. 
(3) GUIDANCE.—Not later than 1 year after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall issue comprehensive guidance to States, local 
governments, and Indian tribal governments regard-
ing receiving reimbursement for the cost of food de-
livery, production, and distribution in the event of 
an emergency or major disaster under section 431 of 
the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emer-
gency Assistance Act, as added by paragraph (1), in-
cluding— 
(A) establishing a coordination network; 
(B) enabling streamlined arrangements for 
food production and distribution; and 
(C) streamlined contracting and partnering 
with private nonprofit organizations such that 
private nonprofit organizations may apply di-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00351
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
352 
HR 5118 RDS
rectly for reimbursement under such section as 
an agent of a State, local government, or Indian 
tribal government. 
(d) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made by this 
section shall apply with respect to any amounts appro-
priated after the date of enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 112. FEMA IMPROVEMENT, REFORM, AND EFFICIENCY. 
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section— 
(1) the term ‘‘Administrator’’ means the Ad-
ministrator of the Agency; 
(2) the term ‘‘Agency’’ means the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency; 
(3) the term ‘‘appropriate committees of Con-
gress’’ means— 
(A) the Committee on Homeland Security 
and Governmental Affairs and the Committee 
on Appropriations of the Senate; and 
(B) the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure and the Committee on Appro-
priations of the House of Representatives; 
(4) the term ‘‘emergency’’ means an emergency 
declared or determined to exist by the President 
under section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
5191); 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00352
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
353 
HR 5118 RDS
(5) the terms ‘‘Indian tribal government’’, 
‘‘local government’’, and ‘‘State’’ have the meanings 
given such terms in section 102 of the Robert T. 
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance 
Act (42 U.S.C. 5122); and 
(6) the term ‘‘major disaster’’ means a major 
disaster declared by the President under section 401 
of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emer-
gency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170). 
(b) REPORT ON RELOCATION ASSISTANCE.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Adminis-
trator shall submit a report regarding the use of re-
location assistance under sections 203, 404, and 406 
of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emer-
gency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133, 5170c, 5172) 
for wildfire risk to the appropriate committees of 
Congress. 
(2) CONTENTS.—The report submitted under 
paragraph (1) shall include the following: 
(A) Any information on relocation projects 
that have been carried out due to fire risks or 
denied by the Agency, including the number 
and value of projects either carried out or de-
nied. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00353
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
354 
HR 5118 RDS
(B) A discussion of the possible benefits or 
disadvantages of providing relocation assistance 
that may reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of 
loss due to wildfires. 
(C) A discussion of how the Agency may 
optimize relocation assistance when entire 
States or geographic areas are considered sub-
ject to a fire risk. 
(D) An analysis of whether other mitiga-
tion measures are more cost-effective than relo-
cation assistance when the applicant is applying 
to move from a high-risk to a medium-risk or 
low-risk area with respect to wildfires. 
(E) An analysis of the need for the Fed-
eral Government to produce wildfire maps that 
identify high-risk, moderate-risk, and low-risk 
wildfire zones. 
(F) An analysis of whether other mitiga-
tion measures promote greater resilience to 
wildfires when compared to relocation or, if ad-
ditional data is required in order to carry out 
such an analysis, a discussion of the additional 
data required. 
(G) A discussion of the ability of States, 
local governments, and Indian tribal govern-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00354
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
355 
HR 5118 RDS
ments to demonstrate fire risk, and whether the 
level of this ability impacts the ability of States, 
local governments, or Indian tribal governments 
to access relocation assistance, including an as-
sessment of existing fire mapping products and 
capabilities and recommendations on redressing 
any gaps in the ability of the Agency to assist 
States, local governments, and Indian tribal 
governments in demonstrating fire risk. 
(H) An evaluation of— 
(i) the scope of the data available to 
the Agency regarding historical wildfire 
losses; 
(ii) how such data is utilized in ben-
efit-cost analysis determinations by the 
Agency; 
(iii) what additional data, if any, may 
be pertinent to such determinations; and 
(iv) what, if any, alternative methods 
may be relevant to the determination of 
cost effectiveness. 
(I) A discussion of the extent to which the 
decision process for relocation assistance appro-
priately considers the change in future risks for 
wildfires due to a changing climate. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00355
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
356 
HR 5118 RDS
(J) An analysis of whether statutes and 
regulations regarding relocation assistance by 
the Agency present barriers for States, local 
governments, or Indian tribal governments try-
ing to access funding to reduce wildfire risk. 
(K) An analysis of— 
(i) how, if at all, the Agency has 
modified policies and procedures to deter-
mine the eligibility of proposed relocation 
or mitigation projects with respect to 
wildfires; 
(ii) the cost effectiveness of such 
projects, in light of the increasing losses 
and obligations for wildfires in recent 
years; and 
(iii) the effectiveness of any modifica-
tions described in clause (i). 
(L) An analysis of how, if at all, recent 
changes in the availability of fire insurance has 
resulted in modifications of policy or procedure 
with respect to determining the cost efficacy of 
relocation assistance for wildfires. 
(M) An analysis of how to define repetitive 
loss and repetitively damaged properties in the 
context of wildfires. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00356
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
357 
HR 5118 RDS
(N) A discussion of whether any legisla-
tive, regulatory, or policy changes are necessary 
for the Agency to better implement relocation 
assistance to reduce risk from wildfires. 
(O) Other related issues that the Adminis-
trator determines appropriate. 
(c) RED FLAG WARNINGS AND PREDISASTER AC-
TIONS.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the 
National Weather Service of the National Oceanic and At-
mospheric Administration, shall— 
(1) conduct a study of, develop recommenda-
tions for, and initiate a process for the use of Red 
Flag Warnings and similar weather alert and notifi-
cation methods, including the use of emerging tech-
nologies, to establish— 
(A) plans and actions, consistent with law, 
that can be implemented prior to a wildfire 
event, including pre-impact disaster declara-
tions and surge operations, that can limit the 
impact, duration, or severity of the fire; and 
(B) mechanisms to increase interagency 
collaboration to expedite the delivery of disaster 
assistance; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00357
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
358 
HR 5118 RDS
(2) submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress a comprehensive report regarding the 
study described in paragraph (1), including any rec-
ommendations of the Administrator, and the activi-
ties of the Administrator to carry out paragraph (1). 
(d) ASSISTANCE FOR WILDFIRE DAMAGE.—Not later 
than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees 
of Congress regarding— 
(1) the application for assistance and consist-
ency of assistance provided by the Agency in re-
sponse to wildfires; and 
(2) the kinds of damage that result from 
wildfires. 
(e) GAO REPORT ON GAPS.—Not later than 1 year 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller 
General of the United States shall submit to the appro-
priate committees of Congress a report that examines— 
(1) gaps in the policies of the Agency related to 
wildfires, when compared to other hazards; 
(2) disparities in regulations and guidance 
issued by the Administrator, including any oversight 
of the programs of the Agency, when addressing im-
pacts of wildfires and other hazards; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00358
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
359 
HR 5118 RDS
(3) ways to shorten the period of time between 
the initiating of and the distribution of assistance, 
reimbursements, and grants; 
(4) the effectiveness of the programs of the 
Agency in addressing wildfire hazards; 
(5) ways to improve the ability of the Agency 
to assist States, local governments, and Indian tribal 
governments to prepare for, respond to, recover 
from, and mitigate against wildfire hazards; 
(6) revising the application process for assist-
ance relating to wildfires to more effectively assess 
uninsured and underinsured losses and serious 
needs; and 
(7) ways to improve the disaster assistance pro-
grams of agencies other than the Agency. 
(f) CRISIS COUNSELING CULTURAL COMPETENCY.— 
Section 416 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5183) is amend-
ed— 
(1) by striking ‘‘The President’’ and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The President’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(b) CULTURAL COMPETENCY.—The President shall, 
in consultation with affected States, local governments, 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00359
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
360 
HR 5118 RDS
and Indian tribal governments and cultural experts, en-
sure that any individual providing professional counseling 
services to victims of a major disaster as authorized under 
subsection (a), including those working for nonprofit part-
ners and recovery organizations, is appropriately trained 
to address— 
‘‘(1) cultural competency and respectful care 
practices; and 
‘‘(2) impacts from major disasters in commu-
nities, and to individuals, with socio-economically 
disadvantaged backgrounds.’’. 
(g) CASE MANAGEMENT CULTURAL COMPETENCY.— 
Section 426 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5189d) is amend-
ed— 
(1) by striking ‘‘The President’’ and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The President’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(b) CULTURAL COMPETENCY.—The President shall, 
in consultation with affected States, local governments, 
and Indian tribal governments and cultural experts, en-
sure that any individual providing case management serv-
ices to victims of a major disaster as authorized under 
subsection (a), including those working for nonprofit part-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00360
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
361 
HR 5118 RDS
ners and recovery organizations, is appropriately trained 
to address— 
‘‘(1) cultural competency and respectful care 
practices; and 
‘‘(2) impacts from major disasters in commu-
nities, and to individuals, with socio-economically 
disadvantaged backgrounds.’’. 
(h) STUDY AND PLAN FOR DISASTER HOUSING AS-
SISTANCE.— 
(1) STUDY.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall— 
(A) conduct a study and develop a plan, 
consistent with law, under which the Agency 
will address providing housing assistance to 
survivors of major disasters or emergencies 
when presented with challenges such as— 
(i) the lack of proof of ownership or 
ownership documentation; 
(ii) the presence of multiple families 
within a single household; and 
(iii) the near loss of a community, 
with the majority of homes destroyed in 
that community, including as a result of a 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00361
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
362 
HR 5118 RDS
wildfire, earthquake, or other event causing 
a major disaster; and 
(B) make recommendations for legislative 
changes needed to address— 
(i) the unmet needs of survivors of 
major disasters or emergencies who are 
unable to document or prove ownership of 
the household; 
(ii) the presence of multiple families 
within a single household; and 
(iii) the near loss of a community, 
with the majority of homes destroyed in 
that community, including as a result of a 
wildfire, earthquake, or other event causing 
a major disaster. 
(2) COMPREHENSIVE REPORT.—The Adminis-
trator shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress a report that provides a detailed discussion 
of the plans developed under paragraph (1)(A) and 
the recommendations of the Administrator under 
paragraph (1)(B). 
(3) BRIEFING.—Not later than 30 days after 
submission of the report and recommendations 
under paragraph (2), the Administrator shall brief 
the appropriate committees of Congress on the find-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00362
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
363 
HR 5118 RDS
ings and any recommendations made pursuant to 
this subsection. 
(i) REIMBURSEMENT.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
brief the appropriate committees of Congress regarding 
the extent to which the Agency is using housing solutions 
proposed by a State or local government to reduce the 
time or cost required to implement housing solutions after 
a major disaster. 
(j) WILDFIRE INSURANCE STUDY BY THE NATIONAL 
ACADEMIES.— 
(1) STUDY.— 
(A) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 180 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Administrator shall seek to enter into an 
agreement with the National Academy of 
Sciences to conduct a study of— 
(i) potential solutions to address the 
availability and affordability of insurance 
for wildfire perils in all regions of the 
United States, including consideration of a 
national all natural hazards insurance pro-
gram; 
(ii) the ability of States, communities, 
and individuals to mitigate wildfire risks, 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00363
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
364 
HR 5118 RDS
including the affordability and feasibility of 
such mitigation activities; 
(iii) the current and potential future 
effects of land use policies and building 
codes on the potential solutions; 
(iv) the reasons why many properties 
at risk of wildfire lack insurance coverage; 
(v) the role of insurers in providing 
incentives for wildfire risk mitigation ef-
forts; 
(vi) the state of catastrophic insur-
ance and reinsurance markets and the ap-
proaches in providing insurance protection 
to different sectors of the population of the 
United States; 
(vii) the role of the Federal Govern-
ment and State and local governments in 
providing incentives for feasible wildfire 
risk mitigation efforts and the cost of pro-
viding assistance in the absence of insur-
ance; 
(viii) the state of modeling and map-
ping wildfire risk and solutions for accu-
rately and adequately identifying future 
wildfire risk; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00364
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
365 
HR 5118 RDS
(ix) approaches to insuring wildfire 
risk in the United States; and 
(x) such other issues that may be nec-
essary or appropriate for the report. 
(B) CONSULTATION.—The agreement to 
conduct the study described in subparagraph 
(A) shall require that, in conducting the study, 
the National Academy of Sciences shall consult 
with State insurance regulators, consumer orga-
nizations, representatives of the insurance and 
reinsurance industry, policyholders, and other 
organizations and experts, as appropriate. 
(2) SUBMISSION.—Not later than 2 years after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall submit to Congress the results of the study 
commissioned under paragraph (1). 
(k) INCREASED CAP
FOR EMERGENCY DECLARA-
TIONS BASED ON REGIONAL COST OF LIVING.—Not later 
than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees 
of Congress regarding the benefits and drawbacks of es-
tablishing a maximum amount for assistance provided for 
an emergency that is based on the cost of living in the 
region in which the emergency occurs. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00365
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
366 
HR 5118 RDS
(l) FACILITATING DISPOSAL OF TEMPORARY TRANS-
PORTABLE HOUSING UNITS
TO SURVIVORS.—Section 
408(d)(2)(B)(i) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
and 
Emergency 
Assistance 
Act 
(42 
U.S.C. 
5174(d)(2)(B)(i)) is amended by inserting ‘‘, with priority 
given to a survivor of a major disaster who suffered a 
property loss as a result of the major disaster’’ after ‘‘any 
person’’. 
(m) DEADLINE ON CODE ENFORCEMENT AND MAN-
AGEMENT COST ELIGIBILITY.—Section 406(a)(2)(D) of 
the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency As-
sistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5172(a)(2)(D)) is amended by 
striking ‘‘180 days’’ and inserting ‘‘1 year’’. 
(n) PERMIT APPLICATIONS FOR TRIBAL UPGRADES 
TO EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTERS.—Section 614(a) 
of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5196c(a)) is amended by insert-
ing ‘‘and Indian tribal governments’’ after ‘‘grants to 
States’’. 
(o) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made by this 
section shall apply with respect to any amounts appro-
priated after the date of enactment of this Act. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00366
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
367 
HR 5118 RDS
SEC. 113. FIRE INVESTIGATIONS. 
The Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 
(15 U.S.C. 2201 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end 
the following: 
‘‘SEC. 38. INVESTIGATION AUTHORITIES. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—In the case of any major fire, 
the Administrator may send incident investigators, which 
may include safety specialists, fire protection engineers, 
codes and standards experts, researchers, and fire training 
specialists, to the site of the fire to conduct an investiga-
tion as described in subsection (b). 
‘‘(b) INVESTIGATION REQUIRED.—A fire investiga-
tion conducted under this section— 
‘‘(1) shall be conducted in coordination and co-
operation with appropriate Federal, State, and local 
authorities, including Federal agencies that are au-
thorized to investigate a major fire or an incident of 
which the major fire is a part; and 
‘‘(2) shall examine the determined cause and 
origin of the fire and assess broader systematic mat-
ters to include use of codes and standards, demo-
graphics, structural characteristics, smoke and fire 
dynamics (movement) during the event, and costs of 
associated injuries and deaths. 
‘‘(c) REPORT.—Upon concluding any fire investiga-
tion under this section, the Administrator shall issue a 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00367
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
368 
HR 5118 RDS
public report to local, State, and Federal authorities on 
the findings of such investigation, or collaborate with an-
other investigating Federal agency on that agency’s re-
port, including recommendations on— 
‘‘(1) any other buildings with similar character-
istics that may bear similar fire risks; 
‘‘(2) improving tactical response to similar fires; 
‘‘(3) improving civilian safety practices; 
‘‘(4) assessing the costs and benefits to the 
community of adding fire safety features; and 
‘‘(5) how to mitigate the causes of such fire. 
‘‘(d) DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY.—In addition to 
investigations conducted pursuant to subsection (a), the 
Administrator may send fire investigators to conduct in-
vestigations at the site of any fire with unusual or remark-
able context that results in losses less severe than those 
occurring as a result of a major fire, in coordination with 
appropriate Federal, State, and local authorities, including 
Federal agencies that are authorized to investigate a 
major fire or an incident of which the major fire is a part. 
‘‘(e) MAJOR FIRE DEFINED.—For purposes of this 
section, the term ‘major fire’ shall have the meaning given 
such term under regulations to be issued by the Adminis-
trator.’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00368
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
369 
HR 5118 RDS
SEC. 114. CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND MICROGRID 
PROGRAM. 
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) CRITICAL FACILITY.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘‘critical fa-
cility’’ means a facility that provides services or 
may be used— 
(i) to save lives; 
(ii) to protect property, public health, 
and public safety; or 
(iii) to lessen or avert the threat of a 
catastrophe. 
(B) INCLUSIONS.—The term ‘‘critical facil-
ity’’ includes— 
(i) a hospital; 
(ii) an outpatient clinic; 
(iii) a nursing home; 
(iv) a police station; 
(v) an emergency operation center; 
(vi) a jail or prison; 
(vii) a fire station; 
(viii) a facility in the communications 
sector, as determined by the Secretary; 
(ix) a facility in the chemical sector, 
as determined by the Secretary; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00369
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
370 
HR 5118 RDS
(x) a school or other large building 
that may serve as a temporary gathering 
space; 
(xi) a utility station, such as a water 
and wastewater station; and 
(xii) a facility described in subpara-
graph (A) that is owned or operated by, or 
provides services to, an Indian Tribe (as 
defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-De-
termination and Education Assistance Act 
(25 U.S.C. 5304)). 
(2) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means 
the Secretary of Energy. 
(b) CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
AND MICROGRID 
PROGRAM.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall establish 
a program— 
(A) to provide grants to improve the en-
ergy resilience and power needs of critical facili-
ties through the use of microgrids, renewable 
energy, energy efficiency, reduced electricity de-
mand, and on-site storage; 
(B) to provide grants to improve the en-
ergy efficiency of critical facilities by decreasing 
the size and cost of generators; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00370
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
371 
HR 5118 RDS
(C) to provide technical assistance and fa-
cilitate the distribution and sharing of informa-
tion to develop more resilient electricity systems 
(including bulk systems and localized systems); 
and 
(D) to promulgate consumer-facing infor-
mation and resources to inform the public on 
best practices and resources related to increas-
ing resilience of electricity systems and reducing 
the impacts of extreme weather events on elec-
tricity systems. 
(2) REQUIREMENTS.—In carrying out the pro-
gram established under paragraph (1), the Secretary 
shall ensure, with respect to critical facilities— 
(A) provision of on-site back-up power with 
renewable resources, low-carbon liquid fuels, 
and on-site energy storage technologies; and 
(B) installation, at the transmission and 
distribution level, of interoperable technologies, 
advanced power flow control, dynamic line rat-
ing, topology optimization, and communications 
systems. 
(3) INTERESTED
PARTY
INPUT.—In estab-
lishing the program under paragraph (1), the Sec-
retary shall seek the input of State energy regu-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00371
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
372 
HR 5118 RDS
lators, electric utilities (as defined in section 3 of the 
Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 796)), regional trans-
mission organizations and independent system oper-
ators, electric utility customers and ratepayer orga-
nizations, local governments, community choice 
aggregators or regional energy collaboratives, and 
other interested parties. 
(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary $100,000,000 to carry 
out this section, to remain available until expended. 
(2) ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.—Of the amount 
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this sec-
tion, not more than 10 percent authorized to be ap-
propriated for salaries and expenses, administrative 
management, and oversight of the program estab-
lished under subsection (b)(1). 
SEC. 115. ADVANCED TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGY STUDY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy 
shall— 
(1) conduct a study on the ability of advanced 
transmission technologies, including low sag ad-
vanced conductors, to reduce the vulnerability of 
electric grid infrastructure to energy disruptions 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00372
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
373 
HR 5118 RDS
caused by natural disasters and extreme weather; 
and 
(2) submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress the results of such study. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the term ‘‘appro-
priate committees of Congress’’ means— 
(1) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of 
the House of Representatives; and 
(2) the Committee on Energy and Natural Re-
sources of the Senate. 
SEC. 116. RURAL COMMUNITIES DRINKING WATER RESIL-
IENCY. 
(a) NEW WELL CONSTRUCTION GRANTS.—Subtitle 
A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 1922–1936c) is amended by inserting after sec-
tion 306E the following: 
‘‘SEC. 306F. NEW WELL CONSTRUCTION GRANTS. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall provide 
grants in accordance with this section to local govern-
ments and public or private nonprofit entities for projects 
designed to supply drinking water to rural communities 
in which a significant number of dwellings with private 
drinking water wells have wells that are not producing 
water. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00373
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
374 
HR 5118 RDS
‘‘(b) USE OF FUNDS.—Grants made under this sec-
tion may be used— 
‘‘(1) for waterline extensions from existing sys-
tems, laying of new waterlines, repairs or mainte-
nance to an existing system, digging of new wells or 
development of other sources of water designed to 
replace sources of drinking water with high levels of 
nitrates, equipment replacement, and hook-up fees; 
and 
‘‘(2) in the case of a project designed to benefit 
a rural community outside the jurisdiction of the 
grantee, to maintain existing water supplies of the 
grantee that will be reduced as a result of the 
project. 
‘‘(c) RURAL COMMUNITY.—In this section, the term 
‘rural community’ does not include— 
‘‘(1) any area in any city or town with a popu-
lation in excess of 10,000 inhabitants according to 
the most recent decennial census of the United 
States; and 
‘‘(2) any area with a median household income 
in excess of the State nonmetropolitan median 
household income. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00374
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
375 
HR 5118 RDS
‘‘(d) FULL FUNDING.—Grants under this section 
shall be made in an amount equal to 100 percent of the 
costs of the projects conducted under this section. 
‘‘(e) APPLICATION.—Subsection (h) of section 306A 
shall apply with respect to the administration of applica-
tions for grants under this section. 
‘‘(f) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There 
is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
$50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027.’’. 
(b) REPEAL.—Effective 5 years after the date of the 
enactment of this section, section 306F of the Consoli-
dated Farm and Rural Development Act, as added by the 
amendment made by subsection (a), is repealed. 
TITLE II—NATIONAL DISASTER 
SAFETY BOARD ACT 
SEC. 201. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE. 
(a) ORGANIZATION.—There is established in the exec-
utive branch a National Disaster Safety Board, which 
shall be an independent establishment, as defined in sec-
tion 104 of title 5, United States Code. 
(b) PURPOSE.—The purposes of the Board are— 
(1) to reduce loss of life, injury, and economic 
injury caused by future incidents by learning from 
natural hazards, including the impacts and under-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00375
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
411 
HR 5118 RDS
Board to assist the Board in carrying out the 
duties of the Board under this title. 
(B) RELEVANT AGENCIES.—For purposes 
of subparagraph (A), the following are agencies 
described in this subparagraph: 
(i) The Federal Emergency Manage-
ment Agency. 
(ii) The Cybersecurity and Infrastruc-
ture Security Agency of the Department of 
Homeland Security. 
(iii) The National Oceanic and Atmos-
pheric Administration, including the Na-
tional Weather Service. 
(iv) The Department of Defense, in-
cluding the Army Corps of Engineers. 
(v) The Department of Health and 
Human Services. 
(vi) 
The 
National 
Institutes 
of 
Health. 
(vii) The Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention. 
(viii) The Coast Guard. 
(ix) 
The 
National 
Transportation 
Safety Board. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00411
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
494 
HR 5118 RDS
fined in section 371(c) of the Higher Education 
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(c))); and 
(F) a Native American-serving nontribal 
institution (as defined in section 371(c) of the 
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
1067q(c))). 
(4) NATIONAL LABORATORY.—The term ‘‘Na-
tional Laboratory’’ has the meaning given such term 
in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 
U.S.C. 15801). 
(5) RESILIENCE.—The term ‘‘resilience’’ has 
the meaning given such term in section 1304A of 
the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 
(42 U.S.C. 17384a). 
(6) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means 
the Secretary of Energy. 
(7) TRIBAL
COLLEGE
OR
UNIVERSITY.—The 
term ‘‘Tribal College or University’’ has the meaning 
given the term in section 316 of the Higher Edu-
cation Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c). 
(e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is 
authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Program 
$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00494
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
511 
HR 5118 RDS
(3) considerations for ecological and societal 
health; 
(4) carbon sequestration; 
(5) improved water quality; and 
(6) lessening disaster impact on traditionally 
underserved communities. 
(b) UPDATED CRITERIA.—Not later than 1 year after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
issue such regulations as are necessary to— 
(1) update the benefit cost analysis criteria for 
mitigation projects under sections 203 and 404 of 
the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emer-
gency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. ) based on the re-
sults of the review conducted under subsection (a); 
and 
(2) prioritize projects under such sections based 
on the benefit cost analysis criteria updated under 
paragraph (1). 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:28 Jan 04, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00511
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5118.RDS
H5118
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB