Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) and Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) introduced the Supporting America’s Volunteer Emergency Services Act, which, if approved, would establish a federal grant program to help volunteer fire companies pay to fuel fire trucks and emergency response vehicles. The SAVES Act would set a baseline of gas and diesel prices using average prices from 2007. Volunteer fire companies would be eligible for reimbursement of 75% of budget overages due to the rising cost of gas over the baseline cost. The companies then would receive a grant to help cover the additional costs. For example, a volunteer fire company that uses 1,000 gallons of gasoline and 700 gallons of diesel under current levels would receive approximately $1,725 in reimbursements under this program.

The SAVES Act has the endorsement of Ed Mann, Pennsylvania's fire commissioner, and the National Volunteer Fire Council.

Senator Casey said, “Many companies are finding it difficult to cope with the added strain, making it impossible for them to respond to emergencies with enough equipment and vehicles. We must help our firefighters so they aren’t forced to choose between their budgets and saving lives.”