This bill would let the President impose targeted economic and diplomatic sanctions in response to repeated large wildfire-smoke events that originate substantially in Canada and cross into the United States. It defines a "material transboundary smoke event" by air-quality and health impacts, and requires the President to decide within 30 days whether such events occurred and whether Canadian authorities failed to take reasonable and effective measures.
If the President makes an affirmative determination, the bill requires listing and publicly naming Canadian officials and other foreign persons judged responsible. Those listed can have property blocked, be barred from transactions with U.S. persons, and have visas revoked. The bill also requires the President to impose specific sanctions on the Government of Canada, including bans on U.S. government procurement, limits on Export-Import Bank assistance, and instructions to U.S. executive directors at international financial institutions to oppose financial support for Canada. The President must impose three or more additional measures from options such as restricting banking transactions, sovereign debt, imports from state entities, new investments, or blocking state-owned enterprises.
The bill sets processes for updates, a 180-day periodic review, and a route for the President to waive or terminate sanctions if Canada takes verifiable corrective actions. It includes humanitarian and diplomatic exceptions for food, medicine, wildfire assistance, and other life-saving or cooperative activities. The bill also expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should consider declaring certain Canadian diplomatic personnel persona non grata until air quality remains safe for 90 consecutive days.
No publicly available information on estimated federal costs or broader economic impacts is included in the bill text. The bill directs the President and agencies to use existing authorities and to issue regulations, but it does not provide cost estimates.
According to the bill text, supporters say the United States has a strong interest in protecting public health, safety, and the economy from significant cross-border air pollution. The bill frames repeated smoke incursions as a preventable harm and says Canada has the authority to take measures to reduce wildfire risks. Proponents argue targeted sanctions will encourage Canada to improve forest management, wildfire prevention and suppression, data sharing, and cooperation with U.S. authorities, while minimizing harm to ordinary residents.
No publicly available information.