Rosen Leads Senate Colleagues to Introduce Bill to Create and Expand Grant and Loan Programs to Monitor Air Pollution from Wildfires

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) led Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) in introducing a bill to help state, local, and Tribal government agencies monitor worsening air pollution caused by wildfires and make more informed public health decisions. The Wildfire Air Quality Sensor Expansion Act would direct the Environmental Protection Agency to create and expand new and existing grant and loan programs allowing agencies to purchase and operate portable air sensors - low-cost technology that can measure and detect harmful pollutants caused by wildfire smoke. Increasing access to air quality information will help leaders make better decisions for public health and wildfire response.

"As wildfires continue to ravage Nevada and the West, it is important that we take every measure possible to protect our communities," said Senator Rosen. "Air sensors provide a relatively easy, low-cost solution that can help protect Nevadans from harmful pollutants and support wildfire response almost immediately - which is why my bill will help make them more available. I will continue fighting to ensure that Nevadans have the federal resources they need to access clean air and stay safe from wildfires."

"Colorado is facing one of the most severe wildfire seasons to date, with Coloradans not only fearful of fire growth and destruction, but also the health risks that come with poor air quality," said Bennet. "We need legislation like the Wildfire Air Quality Sensor Expansion Act to ensure all Coloradans can keep themselves safe and informed during the wildfire seasons ahead."

"In Minnesota, smoke from the recent wildfires in the Superior National Forest created hazy and unhealthy air quality conditions throughout the state," said Klobuchar. "I'm supporting this legislation to help areas impacted by wildfires measure air pollutants and keep our communities healthy and safe."

"When the 2020 Labor Day fires swept across Oregon, I drove over 600 miles and never once escaped the smoke that blanketed our state. Oregonians are facing yet another deadly fire season this year, and it is essential that our communities have all the necessary tools to respond to wildfires and smoke-related threats," said Senator Merkley. "Our bill helps communities plan for and cope with hazardous air quality caused by wildfire smoke, which threatens public health, disrupts daily life, and shows just how devastating climate chaos-fueled fires can be."

Senator Rosen has been a leader fighting to ensure that Nevada has the federal resources it needs to combat and mitigate the effects of wildfires. She recently led a letter demanding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provide more assistance for wildfire prevention and response. Last year, she secured millions for wildfire prevention across Nevada, including $2.3 million in funding for wildfire prevention research and $4 million in federal funding for the Lake Tahoe area.

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