Summary

Creates a new, limited categorical exclusion from NEPA for certain hazardous fuel reduction projects on Federal land so those projects can move faster. It sets criteria (including a 10,000-acre cap in many cases) for when the exclusion applies, lists lands and situations where it does not apply, and updates an existing Healthy Forests Restoration Act cross-reference. The bill aims to speed up wildfire risk reduction, improve forest health, and support recovery of some threatened or endangered species, including the greater sage‑grouse.

• Establishes a categorical exclusion from NEPA for certain hazardous-fuel-reduction projects on Federal land to speed wildfire prevention work.
• Applies to projects removing insect‑infected, dead/dying, or hazardous trees or fuels that threaten communities, infrastructure, or adjacent non‑Federal land.
• Allows treatment of up to 10,000 acres of Federal land under the exclusion when specified risk, habitat, or conservation criteria are met.
• Excludes National Wilderness areas, lands where vegetation removal is legally prohibited, and National Monuments from the categorical exclusion.
• Explicitly includes improving forest health and promoting recovery of threatened/endangered species, naming greater sage‑grouse and its habitat.
• Amends the Healthy Forests Restoration Act to add the new categorical exclusion and adjust subsection cross‑references.
• Does not appropriate funding or set implementation deadlines; agencies must apply the CE under existing statutory processes.
• May reduce NEPA review time and costs but could limit public input and detailed environmental review for some projects.