Emergency Mountain Pine Beetle Response and Coordination Act

S. 5290 would direct the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program of competitive grants and cooperative agreements aimed at responding to and addressing mountain pine beetle infestations. Beyond this general purpose, the bill's specific provisions—such as funding levels, eligible recipients, program duration, or implementation details—are not yet known, since the full legislative text has not been published.

Because the text is unavailable, it is not yet possible to say precisely who would be eligible to apply for these grants or enter into cooperative agreements (for example, states, local governments, tribes, or private landowners), or how affected communities and forestland would be impacted. Mountain pine beetle outbreaks are a forest health issue primarily affecting Western states, including Colorado, where the bill's sponsor is based, but the bill does not specify a particular geographic scope in the information available.

The bill was introduced in the Senate on August 6, 2026, by Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), and its most recent action is that introduction. As is standard, it would next be referred to a Senate committee with jurisdiction—likely one overseeing agriculture or natural resources—for review, which could include hearings, amendments, or a committee vote, before any further floor action. No committee assignment or additional action has yet been reported.

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