In the July 18, 2025 article published by Utility Dive, President Trump’s executive order is spotlighted for its plan to modernize wildfire prevention through artificial intelligence, satellite data, and a new federal wildland fire service.
While some experts see potential in improved coordination and cost savings, others question the order’s impact, given proposed budget cuts.
Andrew Dressel, a power industry consultant and vice president at CRA, emphasizes that while AI and technology can help, the growing wildfire risk requires more than executive action. Dressel highlights the high costs and logistical challenges of upgrading or relocating power lines, and stresses the need for comprehensive federal or state legislation to truly address the scale of the problem. His insights underscore the complexity of wildfire mitigation and the limits of relying solely on technology or executive directives.