Summary#
This bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to give grants to local air pollution control agencies so they can run a "cleaner air space" program. The program must set up at least one publicly accessible clean air center in areas at risk of wildland fire smoke, partner with a community-based organization, and give free high-efficiency air filtration units and one replacement filter to qualifying low-income households that include people vulnerable to smoke-related health problems. Grants are limited to $3,000,000 per agency, and the EPA must provide at least one grant to a Tribal air agency. Grantees must advertise centers, distribute educational materials, collect data on units distributed, and survey recipients. The EPA must report to Congress within 3 years on program results and recommendations. The bill authorizes $30,000,000 for fiscal years 2026–2028 and allows the EPA to use up to 10 percent of those funds for administration.
What it means for you#
- If you live in a low-income community and your household includes someone vulnerable to smoke (for example, because of age, disability, or an underlying health condition), your household may be eligible to receive a free eligible air filtration unit and one replacement filter.
- Local air agencies will be required to open and staff clean air centers during wildland fire smoke events and to advertise their availability.
- The program will include education on how to set up a clean air room at home and surveys to learn whether people can use the equipment and whether it helps.
Expenses#
- The bill authorizes $30,000,000 for the program for fiscal years 2026 through 2028.
- Individual grants to air pollution control agencies may not exceed $3,000,000 each.
- The EPA may use up to 10 percent of the authorized funds for administrative expenses.
- Each grantee must distribute at least 1,000 eligible air filtration units at no cost to covered households and provide one replacement filter per unit (the bill text sets these distribution requirements but does not list per-unit costs).
Proponents' View#
No publicly available information.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.