Trump signs wildfire firefighting permit exemption, White House says

President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on 10 November intended to exempt federal firefighting activities from Clean Water Act permitting requirements, according to the White House. The activities include the aerial use and discharge of fire retardant.

The administration cites an adverse district court ruling and the US Forest Service’s difficulties obtaining a permit as reasons for the action. It says the measure is intended to ensure firefighters have the tools to protect communities during the 2027 wildfire season.

The White House says the memorandum addresses the permitting requirements for one year but does not give the start or end date. Its fact sheet describes an exemption from permitting in one passage and from the Clean Water Act more broadly in another, leaving the measure’s full legal scope unclear.