1. FIRE STRATEGY Fire Policy Update

2. Background Agricultural land is defined as forestland, rangeland, cropland and pastureland. Types of fires – Prescribed, wildfire Land management agencies have increased their use of prescribed fires to reduce hazardous fuel loads and manage forest/rangeland, plant health. Agricultural community uses fire as a management tool for crop production and rangeland management. Need to consolidate smoke management approaches and apply consistent set of criteria for the use of fire as a land management tool.

3. EPA Philosophy on Fires EPA acknowledges use of fire as land management tool for: Maintaining health of fire-tolerant/dependent plant and animal ecosystems Thermal treatment to promote seed germination and plant growth Eliminating threat of plant and pest disease Reducing risk of catastrophic wildfires. Emphasize the use of smoke management programs to minimize impacts of burning activities on air quality and visibility impairment, without regulating fires. Partnering with federal, state and private land managers to ensure equitable and appropriate use of fire while meeting air quality goals and standards. Emphasize notification of advisories for public health and safety

4. Multipollutant Impacts of Fires Particulate Matter NAAQS Ozone NAAQS Regional haze/visibility Toxic pollutants Health

5. Fire Management Strategy Several policies need to be updated/developed to ensure application of consistent approach. Need a nationally consistent approach that provides flexibility to account for regional differences. Strategy will encompass key fire policies: Wildland Prescribed (including WFU, Ag) Exceptional Events Through interagency review process for Exceptional Events Policy, EPA committed to updating IWFP.

6. Exceptional Events Rule Exceptional Events Rule was proposed on March 10, 2006 (See 71 FR 12592) Agency’s goal is to finalize the rule by March 1, 2007 Congress identified 5 principles to use in developing the rule Proposed rule addresses “fire” but not “agricultural burning”

7. Tons/yr/sq mi 0.0000512 - 0.00230 0.00231 - 0.00515 0.00516 - 0.0120 0.0121 - 0.0191 0.0192 - 0.0289 0.0290 - 0.0432 0.0433 - 0.0582 0.0583 - 0.103 0.104 - 0.273 0.274 - 1.80 2001 PM2.5 from Wildfires (Tons/Yr/Sq Mi)

8. Interim Air Quality Policy on Wildland and Prescribed Fires The policy is final for air quality impacts from wildland and prescribed fires managed for resource benefits. Applies to: Fires used to achieve resource benefits in the wildlands Public, Private & Indian lands NOT TO open burning Residential, commercial, industrial sites Land clearing or construction waste Agricultural waste, crop residue, CRP Smoke impacts from wildland fire use and prescribed fires count.

9. Principles for Implementing Policy Promote good wildland management practices through the use of Smoke Management Programs (SMPs) Treat sources equitably Encourage collaborative relationships Give flexibility to States & Tribes Expect all stakeholders to act in good faith

10. Interim Air Quality Policy on Wildland and Prescribed Fires Why is the policy “interim”? Key issues not addressed by policy in May 1998: Regional Haze Impacts Plan to address in FY2007 Agricultural Burning Policy development planned for FY07-08 Collaboration with USDA