WASHINGTON - Tonight, the Senate passed two bills led by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT)— S.2151and S. 5000—by unanimous consent. These bills now await passage in the House. S.2151 will enhance wildfire research, while S.5000 addresses the harmful impacts of hydropower reductions at Glen Canyon Dam.

“These bills reflect Utah’s unique regional challenges and our commitment to finding practical solutions,” said Senator Lee. “The Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act will equip us with better tools to combat wildfires, while S. 5000 ensures that federal agencies work together to balance needed hydropower generation with ecological conservation. I’m proud to see these measures advance through the Senate.”

S.2151 - Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act

This bill establishes a federal wildfire research institute at Utah State University to study wildfire ecology and develop innovative solutions to reduce wildfire risks. The institute will collaborate with local, state, and federal partners to improve forest and rangeland management and implement strategies for long-term ecological restoration.

One-pager | Bill text

S. 5000 – Addressing Glen Canyon Dam Hydropower and Environmental Impacts

This bill establishes a memorandum of understanding between the Bureau of Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife Service, Western Area Power Administration, and the Colorado River Energy Distributors Association to analyze and address the impacts of the Glen Canyon Dam Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan (LTEMP).

The LTEMP currently requires the dam to cease hydropower production during specific periods to protect a threatened fish species. This bill ensures that federal agencies and stakeholders work together to:

• Mitigate the loss of hydropower generation.
• Protect the Colorado River Basin’s resources and ecosystems.
• Balance energy production with species conservation.

For bill text, click HERE

###