Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act of 2024

This bill requires the Secretary of Commerce to create at least seven regional wildland fire research centers at universities or land-grant colleges, with at least one in each of seven specified U.S. regions, to coordinate and advance wildland fire research. It also establishes a National Center Coordination Board and Regional Advisory Boards to oversee and guide the centers' work, and requires reports to Congress on progress and recommendations.

Sec. 2, Definitions: Defines key terms used in the bill, including 'Administrator' (NOAA head), 'Chief' (Forest Service head), 'Council' (Wildland Fire Leadership Council), 'regional center', 'wildland fire', 'wildland fire research', and 'wildland fire management agencies' (Forest Service, BLM, NPS, FWS, BIA).

Sec. 3, Establishment of Regional Wildland Fire Research Centers: The Secretary of Commerce, with NOAA and the Forest Service, must create a competitive process to select at least seven universities or land-grant colleges to host regional centers. At least one center must be in each of these regions: Alaska, California, Northern Rockies, Pacific Northwest, Pacific Islands, Southeast, and Southwest. Each center's purpose includes coordinating research, improving understanding of wildland fire, developing predictive models and tools, creating career pathway training, and making data openly available. A National Center Coordination Board, co-chaired by the NOAA Administrator and the Forest Service Chief and composed of one representative from each center, will set research priorities, coordinate data, and avoid duplication. Each center will also have a Regional Advisory Board with representatives from federal and state agencies, tribes, and other experts to advise on research and help share findings. The Secretary must report to Congress on progress and recommendations at 2 and 4 years after enactment. The bill authorizes appropriations: for the centers, $60 million in FY2024, increasing to $64 million by FY2028; and $1 million each year for the Board. Funds can be used for construction or equipment, and the Secretary can adjust funding between centers with notice to Congress.