This bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to give grants to air pollution control agencies so they can run a "cleaner air space" program. Grants may not exceed $3,000,000 each, and at least one grant must go to a Tribal air agency. Grantees must partner with a community-based organization and submit a plan that explains who will do what, which communities will be served, how they will advertise and educate the public, and how they will set up clean air centers.
Under the program, each grantee must: set up at least one clean air center in an area at risk from wildland fire smoke; make the center open and staffed during smoke events; advertise availability during smoke events; give at no cost at least 1,000 eligible air filtration units to covered households and provide one replacement filter for each unit; distribute educational materials about creating a clean air room; collect and report data on types, numbers, and costs of units distributed; and run an anonymous survey of recipients within 6 months about use and barriers.
The bill defines covered households as low-income households in areas at risk of wildland fire smoke that include people vulnerable to smoke because of health, disability, or age. Eligible air filtration units must meet specific technical criteria: an Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) smoke Clean Air Delivery Rate of at least 97, be Energy Star certified, not emit ozone, and use a true HEPA filter rated to remove 99.97% of particles 0.3 micrometers or larger.
The EPA must report to Congress within 3 years with program information, survey responses, and recommendations on whether and how to expand or improve the program. The bill authorizes $30,000,000 for fiscal years 2026 through 2028 and allows the EPA to use up to 10% of those funds for administrative costs.
If you live in a low-income community at risk of wildland fire smoke and include someone who is vulnerable to smoke health effects, your household may be eligible to receive a free air filtration unit and a replacement filter under a local program funded by this law. Local air pollution control agencies will be required to advertise clean air centers and distribute educational materials on how to set up a clean air room. The bill requires at least one Tribal agency to receive a grant.
The bill authorizes $30,000,000 for fiscal years 2026–2028 to carry out the program. Individual grants may not exceed $3,000,000. The EPA may use up to 10% of the authorized funds for administrative expenses. No other cost estimates or funding details are provided in the bill text.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.