Sponsors (9)
The bill directs modest federal funds to provide air filtration, clean-air centers, and education that can substantially reduce wildfire smoke exposure for vulnerable communities, but requires taxpayer funding, has administrative limits and caps that may leave some areas underserved, and may not fully overcome usability and operating-cost barriers for the poorest households.
Low-income households (including seniors and people with disabilities) and tribal residents receive free high-efficiency air filtration units and access to publicly accessible clean-air centers, plus community education/support to reduce indoor wildfire smoke exposure.
Provides targeted federal funding ($30 million over FY2026–28) to help state, local, and Tribal agencies and community partners implement smoke-mitigation programs (equipment distribution, clean air centers, and outreach).
Low-income households may face usability barriers (limited power availability and ongoing operating costs) that reduce the health benefits of the provided filtration units.
The $30 million price tag is paid by taxpayers and up to 10% of grant funding may be used for administration rather than direct assistance.
A $3 million grant cap per grantee could limit program scale in large or high-need jurisdictions, leaving some vulnerable communities (including Tribal areas) underserved.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Introduced January 17, 2025 by Michael F. Bennet · Last progress January 17, 2025
Creates a competitive EPA grant program to fund local "clean air" efforts in areas at risk of wildland fire smoke. Eligible air pollution control agencies (including at least one Tribal agency) can receive grants up to $3,000,000 to open publicly accessible clean air centers, distribute free EPA-defined air filtration units and replacement filters to households, provide educational materials, collect distribution data, and perform an anonymous six-month follow-up survey. The Administrator must report to Congress within three years on program results and recommendations. The bill authorizes $30 million for FY2026–FY2028, with up to 10% available for administrative costs, and grants are subject to appropriation.