Summary#
This bill would change part of the Clean Air Act (section 319(b)) to change how air quality monitoring data affected by exceptional events and planned burns are treated.
Key changes in the bill text include:
- Adds a definition of "prescribed fire" as a planned ignition done under laws, policies, and regulations to meet objectives.
- Clarifies that an "exceptional event" can be a natural event, an uncommon human-caused event, or a prescribed fire, and that States can determine an event is exceptional unless the Administrator later decides otherwise through an updated review process.
- Directs the Administrator (EPA) to publish revisions to existing regulations within 270 days after enactment, after consulting federal and State land and air managers, to govern review of State determinations and handling of monitoring data influenced by exceptional events or prescribed fires.
- Requires EPA to finalize those revisions consistent with the bill on a 180-day timetable and updates language about what monitoring data and regulatory actions the revised process can affect (for example, exceedances, area designations, and attainment demonstrations).
- Authorizes EPA to lead or collaborate on regional, national, or international demonstrations when multiple jurisdictions ask for help.
- Includes a savings provision saying this Act does not make stationary source emissions that were not exceptional events before enactment become exceptional events after enactment.
What it means for you#
- If your State or local agency reviews air monitoring data affected by smoke from planned burns or other exceptional events, this bill changes the rules for how those determinations are made and reviewed.
- The bill adds "prescribed fires" (planned controlled burns) to the types of events that States can designate when explaining certain monitoring data.
- EPA must update its regulations and follow new timelines and review steps when States submit determinations about exceptional events or prescribed fires.
- States, Federal land managers, and Tribal authorities can ask EPA to help with larger regional or multistate demonstrations.
Expenses#
No publicly available information on costs or funding in the bill text. The bill does require EPA to publish proposed revisions within 270 days of enactment and to finalize revisions on an accelerated 180-day schedule.
Proponents' View#
No publicly available information.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.