Sponsors (9)
The bill provides targeted health protections and equity-focused access to clean-air resources for vulnerable communities during smoke events, but its reach and speed may be constrained by limited appropriations, administrative overhead, and implementation requirements that could raise costs or delay delivery.
Low-income households will receive free high-efficiency air filtration units (and one replacement filter) to reduce smoke exposure during wildland fire events.
Children, seniors, and people with disabilities will have access to staffed, publicly accessible clean air centers during smoke events, providing safe indoor air spaces.
Low-income communities and Tribal residents will receive targeted funding and program requirements that improve environmental equity and prioritize underserved populations.
Low-income households and local governments may receive insufficient support because the program relies on annual appropriations, caps grants at $3 million, and allows administrative fees (up to 10%) that reduce funds available for units and services.
Local and tribal air agencies with limited capacity may face burdens from required partnerships and staffing obligations for clean air centers, which could delay rollout or reduce program uptake in underserved areas.
Low-income households and small suppliers may face higher costs or slower distribution because strict equipment eligibility and efficiency standards (AHAM, ENERGY STAR, HEPA) could limit suppliers and increase unit prices.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes EPA grants to fund staffed clean air centers and certified air filtration units for low-income households during wildland fire smoke events, with $3M grant caps and at least one Tribal award.
Provides EPA grants to state, local, and Tribal air pollution control agencies to run a "cleaner air space" program that protects households in low-income communities from wildland fire smoke. Grants (subject to annual appropriations) fund staffed clean air centers/rooms and distribution of certified air filtration units to eligible households, require community partnerships and program plans, and cap individual grants at $3 million with at least one award to a Tribal air agency.
Introduced January 17, 2025 by Michael F. Bennet · Last progress January 17, 2025