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To amend the Clean Air Act to establish a grant program for supporting local communities in detecting, preparing for, communicating about, or mitigating the environmental and public health impacts of wildfire smoke and extreme heat, and for other purposes.

2/5/2025, 9:05 AM

Summary of Bill HR 903

Bill 119 HR 903, also known as the Wildfire Smoke Emergency Declaration Act, aims to amend the Clean Air Act to create a grant program that will assist local communities in dealing with the environmental and public health effects of wildfire smoke and extreme heat. The bill seeks to provide support for activities such as detecting, preparing for, communicating about, and mitigating the impacts of these natural disasters.

The grant program established by this bill will help communities develop strategies to address the challenges posed by wildfire smoke and extreme heat, which can have serious consequences for both the environment and public health. By providing funding for these efforts, the bill aims to improve the ability of local governments to respond effectively to these emergencies and protect the well-being of their residents.

In addition to supporting communities in dealing with the immediate impacts of wildfire smoke and extreme heat, the bill also aims to address the underlying causes of these disasters. By promoting research and education on the environmental and public health effects of these events, the bill seeks to prevent future emergencies and build resilience in communities facing these challenges. Overall, Bill 119 HR 903 represents a proactive approach to addressing the growing threat of wildfire smoke and extreme heat in the United States. By providing resources and support for local communities, the bill aims to improve the response to these emergencies and protect the health and safety of all Americans.

Congressional Summary of HR 903

Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act of 2025

This bill authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make grants to air pollution control agencies to support the development and implementation of programs that support local communities in detecting, preparing for, communicating with the public about, or mitigating the environmental and public health aspects of wildfire smoke and extreme heat. The EPA must establish a formula to distribute the grants among air pollution control agencies.

The bill requires the EPA to establish four Centers of Excellence for Wildfire Smoke and Extreme Heat at institutions of higher education to research (1) the effects of smoke emissions from wildland fires and extreme heat on public health, and (2) the means by which communities can better respond to impacts from such conditions.

Additionally, the EPA must begin to carry out research to

  • study the health effects of smoke emissions from wildland fires and extreme heat;
  • develop and disseminate personal and community-based interventions to reduce exposure to, and health effects of, wildland fire smoke emissions and extreme heat;
  • increase the quality of smoke and extreme heat monitoring and prediction tools and techniques; and
  • develop implementation and communication strategies.

The EPA must also establish a competitive grant program to assist certain entities (e.g., a state) in developing and implementing collaborative community plans for mitigating the impacts of smoke emissions from wildland fires and extreme heat.

Current Status of Bill HR 903

Bill HR 903 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 31, 2025. Bill HR 903 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 31, 2025.  Bill HR 903's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. as of January 31, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 903

Total Number of Sponsors
2
Democrat Sponsors
2
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
29
Democrat Cosponsors
29
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 903

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 903

To amend the Clean Air Act to establish a grant program for supporting local communities in detecting, preparing for, communicating about, or mitigating the environmental and public health impacts of wildfire smoke and extreme heat, and for other purposes.
To amend the Clean Air Act to establish a grant program for supporting local communities in detecting, preparing for, communicating about, or mitigating the environmental and public health impacts of wildfire smoke and extreme heat, and for other purposes.

Comments

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