WASHINGTON — The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and the Environmental Protection Agency have reached an agreement that will allow for the full resumption of the Federal Excess Personal Property (FEPP) and Firefighter Property (FFP) programs.
FEPP and FFP allow for the transfer of excess military vehicles and equipment to local fire departments. In June, the Department of Defense (DoD) suspended the programs over concerns that transferring equipment to state and local entities violated the waiver from federal emissions standards that DoD receives for military equipment.
“DLA and EPA reached an agreement which allows DLA to resume all prior practices and procedures utilized for the disposal of excess military equipment that are covered by an NSE issued by EPA,” the DLA’s Office of Legislative Affairs said. “This agreement re-institutes all processes and authorities; to include transfers, donations and public sales previously available to program participants (LESO, FPP and FEPP). Specifically, this resets the original accountability requirements and continues the transfer of title to program participants.”
The National Volunteer Fire Council has confirmed with the U.S. Forest Service, which administers FEPP and FFP, that the programs have been fully restored.
“FEPP and FPP are a lifeline that make it possible for the volunteer fire service to be this nation’s first line of defense against wildland fire,” NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg said. “I’d like to thank the NVFC’s membership for contacting your elected representatives in Congress to let them know how important these programs are. I’d also like to thank the U.S. Senators and Representatives who weighed in with Defense Secretary Hagel to ask him to fully restore FEPP and FFP.”