By: Eric Bursch, NEMA Director of Government Relations
As wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and severe storms become more frequent and more destructive, communities face growing pressure to protect homes and electrical systems before the next event hits. The bipartisan Firewall Act, introduced earlier this month in the House by Reps. Kevin Mullin (D-CA) and María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), offers a practical path forward that helps families afford disaster mitigation upgrades. A Senate companion was introduced earlier this year by Sens. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT).
The legislation provides a refundable tax credit covering up to 50 percent of eligible mitigation costs, directing support to low and moderate-income households in areas that have had a federal disaster declaration in the past 10 years. Targeted mitigation investments deliver strong returns. Every federal dollar spent on mitigation against natural disasters saves the taxpayer six dollars in the long run, according to an analysis by the National Institute of Building Sciences.
Reflecting its broad appeal, the bill has earned support from a wide range of stakeholders across the fire service, local governments, building and design professionals, utilities, resilience advocates, and public safety organizations.
NEMA’s Role
NEMA worked with the bill’s sponsors to ensure NEMA member technologies are reflected in the Firewall Act, including smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and detectors, fuel gas alarms and detectors, surge-protective devices, battery energy storage systems, and other upgrades that enhance life safety and reduce electrical hazards during disasters.
NEMA’s advocacy work complements its technical leadership, including the development of disaster recovery resources such as guidance on evaluating fire and heat-damaged electrical equipment that helps homeowners and inspectors determine when equipment can be safely restored and when full replacement is needed.
What Comes Next
The Firewall Act advances a bipartisan approach that delivers meaningful benefits to families, reduces long-term disaster costs, and invests in the electrical technologies already helping communities mitigate risk.
NEMA will continue working with lawmakers to support the Firewall Act and other policies that improve household safety and ensure communities are better protected before the next wildfire or storm.
For more information about the Firewall Act, view our one-pager.