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The White House·

Presidential Determination Concerning Wildfire Suppression Activities in the United States

  • President Donald J. Trump issued a memorandum exempting wildfire suppression activities by the U.S. Forest Service, the Department of the Interior, and other agencies from water pollution control requirements.
  • The exemption specifically covers the aerial use, deployment, and discharge of fire retardants by these entities and their contractors.
  • This determination is made under Section 313 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to protect the paramount interest of the United States.
  • The exemption applies to Federal, State, interstate, and local requirements, administrative authority, processes, and sanctions regarding water pollution abatement.
  • The exemption does not apply to the requirements of 33 U.S.C. 1316 and 1317.
  • The exemption period is set for one year, beginning on November 10, 2026, and ending on November 10, 2027.
  • The memorandum clarifies that the exemption does not imply that permits were required for these operations absent this Presidential action.
  • The determination does not limit the applicability or enforcement of any other laws applicable to the agencies regarding their firefighting activities.
  • The Secretary of Agriculture is directed to publish this determination in the Federal Register.