SE Nebraska News

The Senate Agriculture Committee has approved the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.). The bill aims to change how federal disaster relief is delivered to agricultural producers affected by disasters.

If enacted, the legislation would reform both the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP). It would allow producers impacted by disasters to receive a larger portion of cost-share funds up front. The bill also expands eligibility for relief to include wildfires caused or spread by natural events, as well as those caused by federal government actions. Additionally, a new provision would give eligible participants more time to use rehabilitative funds, extending the period for completing necessary work.

Senator Fischer commented on the committee’s approval: “When disaster strikes, the last thing Nebraskans need is more bureaucratic red tape. Unfortunately, that is the case with the ECP’s current distribution system. By streamlining the recovery process, my bill will ensure that our ag producers have access to the resources they need. I’m grateful the Senate Agriculture Committee approved this important legislation, and I look forward to getting it to the president’s desk to be signed into law.”