Steil Leads WI Republican Delegation, Requests EPA Hold Canada Accountable for Wildfire Pollutants

Janesville, WI - Today, Congressmen Bryan Steil (WI-01), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), and Tony Wied (WI-08) wrote to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, requesting the department review available actions under the U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement (AQA) to help address ongoing wildfire smoke in Wisconsin originating from Canada.

"Record-breaking wildfire smoke is inflicting real harm on Wisconsin families. We cannot allow this to continue. Canada must meet its clean air promise and prevent future wildfires from impacting Wisconsin families," wrote the Representatives. "We write to respectfully request that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) take all appropriate measures under the U.S.-Canada AQA to address the impact of Canadian wildfire smoke on families in the Great Lakes Region and the Northeast."

Read the letter here.

Background:

• Smoke from recent wildfires, including those originating in Canada, has drifted into the United States, creating hazardous air quality ratings across Wisconsin.
• On Thursday, July 16, 5 of the 10 worst areas for air quality in the world were in southern Wisconsin.
  • Air Quality Index ratings exceeded 500 in many portions of Wisconsin, including Brown, Waukesha, and Kenosha Counties.
  • Milwaukee saw its worst air quality on record, with an AQI of 566 - significantly higher than cities like Beijing (73) and Delhi (160).
• Wildfires like those originating in Canada are a source of significant pollutants including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
• The U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement was signed by the U.S. and Canada in 1991 and expanded in 2000. The agreement is designed to help reduce toxic air pollutants including ozone and particulate matter.
  • Under the agreement, the U.S. can raise concerns surrounding particulate emissions to force consultations with Canadian officials within 30 days.
  • If a resolution is not reached, the U.S. can refer the dispute to a third party or enter formal negotiations.
• The letter requests that the EPA utilize this mechanism to address the impacts of ongoing wildfires and help mitigate future occurrences.

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