House Approves ACERO Act, Advancing Drone Wildfire Legislation to Senate

U.S. House Passes ACERO Act to Enhance Wildfire Response

The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 390, the Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) Act, on February 24, 2026. This bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Rep. Vince Fong (R-CA-20) and co-led by Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-4), aims to enhance wildfire response capabilities by directing NASA to expand its existing ACERO project at the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. The initiative focuses on developing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that can operate effectively in heavy smoke and low-visibility conditions, which often hinder manned aircraft during active fires.

The unanimous vote reflects a rare consensus in the House, highlighting the urgent need for improved wildfire management solutions.

Key Provisions of the ACERO Act

The ACERO Act provides NASA with the statutory authority to advance its ACERO project, which has previously operated without dedicated legislative support. The legislation addresses the critical issue of airspace deconfliction during wildfires, where helicopters, fixed-wing tankers, and drones share the same smoke-filled airspace, often leading to accidents and operational disruptions.

Key elements of the ACERO Act include:

• Establishment of a multiagency concept of operations to facilitate real-time coordination among federal, state, and local agencies.
• Development of a situational awareness platform to display all aerial assets in the fire zone simultaneously.
• Annual progress reports to Congress through 2030 to ensure accountability.

In November 2024, NASA’s Ames Research Center conducted tests on the Portable Airspace Management System (PAMS), which integrates airspace management technology to improve coordination among aerial assets during wildfire operations.

Impact of Procurement Restrictions

A significant provision in H.R. 390 prohibits NASA from procuring drones for the ACERO program from foreign adversaries, specifically targeting entities based in or controlled by China. This restriction directly impacts DJI, a leading manufacturer in the UAS market, which currently lacks an approved path for federal procurement.

The implications of this provision mean that any drone platforms selected for ACERO must come from U.S. or allied manufacturers, potentially benefiting companies such as Freefly Systems and Joby Aviation, which are developing technologies suitable for wildfire operations.

Support from Industry and Aviation Officials

Support for the ACERO Act extends beyond its sponsors, with endorsements from various industry and state aviation officials. Paul Petersen, Executive Director of the United Aerial Firefighters Association, emphasized that the legislation addresses the challenges faced by pilots when integrating manned and unmanned assets. Kern County Fire Chief Aaron Duncan noted the importance of UAS technology in enhancing situational awareness and firefighter safety. Kenji Sugahara, Director of the Oregon Department of Aviation, described the bill’s passage as a crucial step toward improving safety and coordination in wildfire operations across the nation.

The growing coalition of support, which includes state aviation officials and aerial firefighting associations, underscores the practical need for the legislation as it moves to the Senate.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The ACERO Act represents a legislative effort to modernize wildfire response operations in the U.S. As drone usage in wildfire management has surged—from approximately 700 flights in 2019 to 17,000 in 2024—this legislation aims to align regulatory frameworks with operational realities. The ACERO Act builds on previous efforts, having been reintroduced after an earlier version passed the House in 2024.

With the unanimous support in the House and backing from a diverse coalition of stakeholders, the Senate is expected to consider the bill in the coming months. The integration of advanced drone technology into wildfire response strategies is anticipated to enhance safety and effectiveness in managing these increasingly frequent and severe incidents.