H.R.903 - Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.903, the Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act of 2025, aims to amend the Clean Air Act by establishing a grant program. This program will support local communities in detecting, preparing for, communicating about, or mitigating the environmental and public health impacts of wildfire smoke and extreme heat. The bill authorizes appropriations for these grants and for research into the health effects of wildfire smoke and extreme heat.
Expected Effects
The bill would lead to increased funding for air pollution control agencies and research institutions. These funds would be used to monitor air quality, conduct community outreach, deploy air filtration systems, and provide protective equipment. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce the negative impacts of wildfire smoke and extreme heat on public health.
Potential Benefits
- Improved air quality monitoring and public communication regarding wildfire smoke and extreme heat.
- Enhanced community preparedness through the deployment of air filtration systems in public buildings.
- Increased access to protective equipment, such as N-95 masks and portable air filtration systems.
- Support for research into the health effects of wildfire smoke and extreme heat, leading to better interventions.
- Collaborative community planning for mitigating the impacts of these environmental hazards.
Potential Disadvantages
- The bill's effectiveness depends on the availability of appropriations, which are not guaranteed.
- The allocation of funds is subject to the Administrator's discretion, potentially leading to uneven distribution.
- The bill may create additional administrative burdens for air pollution control agencies.
- There could be potential for misuse or inefficient allocation of grant funds.
- The economic impact of implementing the bill, including the cost of equipment and personnel, is not fully addressed.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to protect public health and the environment. Specifically, the bill amends the Clean Air Act, which has been established under the authority of Congress to regulate interstate commerce to protect air quality. The establishment of grant programs and research initiatives falls within the powers granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8, which allows Congress to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare of the United States.
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).