Wildfire Smoke Relief Act
Summary
The Wildfire Smoke Relief Act aims to provide transitional sheltering assistance and resources to individuals at risk of wildfire smoke-related illnesses. It focuses on those living in areas with unhealthy air quality due to wildfires. The bill directs FEMA to assist qualified entities in providing smoke-inhalation prevention equipment and, when necessary, transitional shelter.
This assistance targets low-income individuals, parents with young children, pregnant women, seniors, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular illnesses. The Act defines key terms like "individual at risk" and "qualified entity" to clarify eligibility and implementation.
The bill seeks to mitigate the health impacts of wildfire smoke by providing resources and shelter to vulnerable populations, addressing a critical need during environmental emergencies.
Expected Effects
The Act would lead to increased access to air filtration devices and temporary shelter for vulnerable individuals during wildfire events. Qualified entities, such as state and local governments and public health authorities, would receive federal assistance to implement these programs. This could reduce hospitalizations and improve the overall health of at-risk populations during wildfire seasons.
Potential Benefits
- Provides direct assistance to vulnerable populations affected by wildfire smoke.
- Supports state and local governments in addressing public health crises.
- Offers a framework for proactive measures to mitigate health risks associated with wildfires.
- Focuses on cost-efficient solutions, such as air filtration and temporary shelter.
- Aids in reducing the strain on healthcare systems during wildfire events.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for bureaucratic delays in the distribution of assistance.
- Limited scope of eligibility may exclude some individuals in need.
- The financial burden on FEMA could strain resources during major disaster years.
- Possible challenges in ensuring equitable distribution of resources across different regions.
- The definition of 'sufficient' mitigation may be subjective and lead to inconsistent application.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's mandate to "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). It also falls under Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8) as it addresses a nationwide issue with implications for public health and safety. The Act's focus on providing assistance during emergencies could be seen as an extension of the federal government's role in disaster relief, although the specific authority for such actions is often debated and derived from interpretations of the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18).
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).