Wildfire Air Quality Data Excluded from National Standards
This act aims to change how air quality is assessed by excluding data directly resulting from catastrophic or beneficial use wildfires. This means temporary air quality degradation due to wildfire smoke will not impact official compliance determinations with national ambient air quality standards. For citizens, this could mean that local authorities may not be compelled to take remedial actions for air pollution if it is caused by wildfires.
Key points
Air quality monitoring data directly caused by catastrophic or beneficial use wildfires will be excluded from national ambient air quality standard compliance determinations.
This change may affect how environmental agencies respond to air pollution caused by wildfire smoke, potentially reducing pressure for remedial measures in such situations.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to publish a final rule to implement this amendment within 90 days.
Expired
Citizen Poll