Press Release
Posted:
Washington – Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced the Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act—legislation to protect communities across the country from the hazardous health, economic, and environmental impacts of severe wildfire smoke and extreme heat events. Thompson introduced the bill in the House and Merkley introduced the companion bill in the Senate.
“Californians know firsthand the impact breathing wildfire smoke can have on our health,” said Rep. Thompson. “As wildfire smoke and extreme heat become more and more common, the Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act will help experts better research the impact of wildfire smoke on our communities and provide communities the resources they need to keep Americans safe.”
“When the 2020 Labor Day fires broke out, I drove over 600 miles across Oregon and never once escaped the thick layer of dark smoke that blanketed the state, which threatened public health and dampened everyday life for those under its hazardous plumes,” said Senator Merkley. “We must ensure Americans are prepared in the face of dangerous smoke and heat that ravage our communities during these deadly disasters. As climate chaos continues to worsen the impacts of natural disasters like wildfires, I’ll keep pushing for research and resources—like the millions in federal funding I secured for smoke readiness last year—to combat this crisis.”
BACKGROUND
Wildfire smoke contains hazardous pollutants that pose serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing heart or lung conditions. Exposure can cause immediate symptoms—like wheezing, burning eyes, and difficulty breathing—while also aggravating chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The effects of this toxic smoke can linger long after the fires are extinguished, with some studies illustrating that major wildfires are followed by more severe flu seasons.
The Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act provides federal grant funding to states and their efforts to improve air quality. This funding would invest in measures that protect against the harmful effects of wildfire smoke and extreme heat. The bill also encourages research, development, and implementation of strategies to mitigate the impacts of these environmental hazards and support healthy communities.
“People with asthma and COPD are at risk for breathing emergencies after exposure to wildfire smoke or dangerous heat,” said Lynda Mitchell, CEO of Allergy & Asthma Network. “If you inhale particles of wildfire smoke or breathe in hot and humid air filled with allergens or irritants, it can cause your airways to become inflamed and lead to coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. More than 25 million people have asthma and 24 million live with COPD in the United States – these are life-threatening chronic diseases that are worsened by poor air quality. Allergy & Asthma Network supports the Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act to improve our country’s air quality and readiness for wildfire smoke and extreme heat.”
“Extreme heat and wildfire smoke are among the most impactful environmental air quality factors in many communities. Poor air quality makes it more difficult for allergists to manage our patients who suffer from asthma. This legislation will make it easier for the EPA to support state and local government in their management of these issues which will make it easier for us to care for our patients. ACAAI endorses this legislation and applauds Congressman Thompson and Senator Merkley for their leadership on this important issue,” said Todd Mahr, MD, Executive Medical Director, American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
“Smoke and extreme heat are dangerous threats to health that are unfortunately becoming much more common for communities across the country. Providing states and communities funding to prepare for and communicate timely information about the impacts of wildfire smoke and heat will help protect peoples’ health. These extreme weather events are a reality that necessitate the health-focused response this legislation provides,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO, American Lung Association.
“There is an urgent and desperate need for funding for research on how wildfire smoke impacts our health and particularly the health of our children, who are uniquely vulnerable to air and chemical pollution. When wildfires consume entire houses, cars, and businesses, everything in them burns and goes into the air. Much of our lives is made up of plastics now, from the clothes we wear to the materials we use in construction. Think PVC pipes and vinyl siding. They contain toxic chemicals, and when they burn, people breathe them in during and after fires—and that air drifts. We cannot fix problems without proper data. We need to know what’s in wildfire smoke—besides, potentially, everything,” said Dominique Browning, Director and Co-Founder, Moms Clean Air Force.
The bill is currently endorsed by the Allergy and Asthma Network; the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; the American Lung Association; and Moms Clean Air Force.
The bill text is available here.