Bipartisan senators call for federal strategy to address jet fuel shortages and wildfires

In a letter to federal officials, eight senators from the Western United States called for coordination and development of a strategy to counter jet fuel shortages, which they fear could exacerbate the dangers of wildfire season through grounded aircraft.

“As you are well aware, the 2020 wildfire season was one of the most destructive seasons on record; destroying thousands of homes, burning millions of acres, and straining communities already battling a historic pandemic,” the senators wrote. “In 2021, there are already over 108 large fires burning in 15 states, and the need for an aerial response to fight these fires is a critical and much-needed tool. We are concerned that fuel shortages could lead to the grounding of federal, state, and contracted aircrafts and hurt the ability for initial fire attack and further devastate communities near the growing number of wildfires.”

Seeking results by August 23, they queried as to any plans currently in place to address fuel shortages, planned coordination of federal departments in the event of fuel shortages during multiple wildfire events, the availability of personnel to transport fuel, steps to hasten the ability for non-federal entities to purchase jet fuel in support of aerial firefighting and how contractors are guaranteed to have adequate and reliable fuel supplies.

All of this, they further pressed, should be undertaken in coordination and partnership with state and local authorities.

The text was sent to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. It was signed by U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Patty Murray (D-WA).