Merkley, Harder Push to Increase Federal Response for Hazardous Wildfire Smoke

Washington, D.C. - Oregon's U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Josh Harder (CA-09) today reintroduced the Wildfire Smoke Emergency Declaration Act, legislation to help communities respond to increasingly dangerous wildfire smoke events. The bicameral bill would create a federal framework for smoke emergencies, unlock resources to protect public health, support small businesses, and help communities weather worsening wildfire seasons.

"When the 2020 Labor Day fires swept across Oregon, I drove over 600 miles through the state and never once escaped the thick, dark smoke that blanketed our communities," said Merkley. "Wildfire smoke threatens people's health, disrupts daily life, and shows just how devastating wildfire disasters can be. As climate chaos fuels more severe wildfires, it's essential that communities have the tools and resources they need to protect public health and save lives."

"Wildfire smoke causes real damage to our crops and our kids' lungs, and this crisis is getting worse every single year," said Harder. "Growing up in our area, I know what it feels like when wildfire smoke makes it dangerous just to breathe outside. This bill treats wildfire smoke like the public health emergency that it is by bringing more resources to communities on the front lines of this fight - let's get it signed into law ASAP."

The Wildfire Smoke Emergency Declaration Act would:

• Enable the president to declare a "smoke emergency" when wildfire smoke creates hazardous air quality conditions.

• Make assistance available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help states and local communities establish smoke shelters, deploy air purifiers, and expand air-quality monitoring sites during declared smoke emergencies.

• Allow the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide grants to small businesses that suffer significant revenue losses due to wildfire smoke.

The bill is co-sponsored by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Merkley has been a long-time leader in the fight to prepare for and mitigate the worst impacts of wildfires. He leads a series of bipartisan bills to support mills processing hazardous fuels coming off public lands, train the new generation of wildland firefighters, aid toxic debris cleanup following wildfires, and promote collaborative forest management. He has also introduced the Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act and Wildfire Resilient Communities Act to bolster federal collaboration and assistance in the face of wildfire and smoke threats.

This Wildfire Smoke Emergency Declaration Act is endorsed by the American Lung Association, American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, American Thoracic Society, American Public Health Association, American Outdoors Association, Neighbors for Clean Air, League of Oregon Cities, Oregon Environmental Council, and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

"Wildfire smoke is a public health threat that has been growing in magnitude and geographic impact over the last decade. More frequent and intense wildfires are pushing pollution levels higher across the country, leading to more asthma attacks, worsening COPD and even premature death. Giving communities access to more tools and resources to protect their residents during smoke events will help improve health outcomes. Senator Merkley has been a steadfast champion of policies to protect health from wildfire smoke, and we appreciate his continued efforts with the Wildfire Smoke Emergency Declaration Act," said Harold Wimmer, American Lung Association President and CEO.

"As a medical professional organization of lung health experts, the members of the American Thoracic Society know firsthand the real and present danger that wildland fire smoke poses to communities across the U.S. Climate driven changes combined with forest management practices have made wildland fires more frequent and intense. The ATS thanks Sen. Merkley for his leadership in introducing to improve the preparation, coordination and communication for future wildland fire smoke emergencies," said Gary Ewart, American Thoracic Society Chief of Advocacy and Government Relations.

"Wildfire smoke is an increasing public health threat that can significantly worsen asthma, allergic disease, and other respiratory conditions, particularly for children, older adults, and vulnerable populations. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology supports efforts to improve community preparedness and provide resources that help protect patients from hazardous air quality events," said Cherie Y. Zachary, American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology President.

"Wildfire smoke isn't just an air quality problem; it's an economic one. When smoke shuts down rivers and trails, outfitters lose revenue, seasonal staff lose paychecks, and communities lose the economic activity that outdoor recreation generates. The Wildfire Smoke Emergency Declaration Act recognizes that reality and creates tools to help small businesses weather these events. America Outdoors is proud to support Senator Merkley's leadership on this issue," said Aaron Lieberman, American Outdoors Association Executive Director.

Full text of the bill can be found by clicking HERE.

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