S.147 - Cleaner Air Spaces Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Cleaner Air Spaces Act of 2025 (S.147) aims to improve air quality, particularly during wildland fire smoke events, by providing grants to air pollution control agencies. These grants will be used to establish clean air centers and distribute air filtration units to covered households, defined as low-income communities with residents vulnerable to smoke's health effects. The bill emphasizes community partnerships and requires data collection and reporting on the program's effectiveness.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to improved indoor air quality in vulnerable communities during wildfire events. This will be achieved through the establishment of clean air centers and distribution of air filtration units. The EPA will oversee the program and report to Congress on its impact, which could inform future policy decisions.
Potential Benefits
- Improved air quality in low-income communities during wildfire smoke events.
- Reduced health risks for vulnerable populations (those with underlying health conditions, disabilities, or age-related vulnerabilities).
- Establishment of clean air centers providing safe spaces during emergencies.
- Increased awareness and education regarding air filtration and indoor air quality.
- Potential for replication and expansion of the program based on collected data and reported outcomes.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited funding may restrict the scope and reach of the program.
- Administrative costs could reduce the amount of funding available for direct implementation.
- Dependence on community-based organizations for effective implementation, which may vary in capacity and effectiveness.
- Potential for unequal distribution of resources if not managed effectively.
- The program's success hinges on accurate identification of 'covered households' and their willingness to participate.
Constitutional Alignment
The Cleaner Air Spaces Act appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). The Act empowers Congress to allocate funds for programs designed to improve public health and environmental conditions. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights. The Act delegates authority to the EPA, which is permissible under the Constitution, as long as Congress provides clear guidelines and standards, which the Act seems to do.
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).