H.R.2084 - Smoke Exposure Research Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2084, the Smoke Exposure Research Act of 2025, directs the Agricultural Research Service to conduct research on the effects of wildfire smoke on wine grapes. The bill allocates $6.5 million annually from 2026 to 2030 for this research, focusing on identifying smoke exposure compounds, developing testing methodologies, establishing background levels, creating risk assessment tools, and studying protective barriers. The research will be coordinated with land-grant colleges and universities in California, Oregon, and Washington.
Expected Effects
This bill aims to mitigate the economic impact of wildfires on the wine industry by providing scientific data and tools to address smoke exposure. The research could lead to improved grape cultivation practices and wine production techniques. Ultimately, this could help to preserve the quality and marketability of American wines affected by wildfire smoke.
Potential Benefits
- Development of methods to identify and mitigate smoke exposure in wine grapes.
- Creation of a database of background smoke compound levels.
- Support for the wine industry in wildfire-prone regions.
- Potential for new technologies and practices in viticulture.
- Collaboration between federal agencies and universities.
Potential Disadvantages
- The allocated funding may be insufficient to address the full scope of the problem.
- The research focus is limited to wine grapes, potentially neglecting other agricultural products affected by wildfire smoke.
- The benefits may be concentrated in specific geographic regions (California, Oregon, and Washington).
- The research outcomes are uncertain and may not yield immediate solutions.
- Potential for bureaucratic delays in the implementation of the research program.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to support the agricultural sector and mitigate economic losses due to wildfires. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare of the United States. The allocation of funds for agricultural research falls under this purview.
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).