Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB341

Introduced

1/30/25

Refer

1/30/25

Caption

Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act of 2025This bill authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make grants to air pollution control agencies to support the development and implementation of programs that support local communities in detecting, preparing for, communicating with the public about, or mitigating the environmental and public health aspects of wildfire smoke and extreme heat. The EPA must establish a formula to distribute the grants among air pollution control agencies.The bill requires the EPA to establish four Centers of Excellence for Wildfire Smoke and Extreme Heat at institutions of higher education to research (1) the effects of smoke emissions from wildland fires and extreme heat on public health, and (2) the means by which communities can better respond to impacts from such conditions.Additionally, the EPA must begin to carry out research tostudy the health effects of smoke emissions from wildland fires and extreme heat;develop and disseminate personal and community-based interventions to reduce exposure to, and health effects of, wildland fire smoke emissions and extreme heat;increase the quality of smoke and extreme heat monitoring and prediction tools and techniques; anddevelop implementation and communication strategies.The EPA must also establish a competitive grant program to assist certain entities (e.g., a state) in developing and implementing collaborative community plans for mitigating the impacts of smoke emissions from wildland fires and extreme heat.

Impact

Should SB341 be enacted, the implications on state laws and community preparedness could be significant. The bill proposes financial allocations totaling $50 million for support of activities aimed at improving air quality monitoring and establishing community safeguards. It highlights the necessity of establishing Centers of Excellence at higher education institutions to promote research on the health impacts of smoke and heat, ensuring that communities are equipped with the knowledge and resources to tackle these pressing environmental issues. The focus on local governance and community involvement enhances the likelihood of tailoring responses to specific local needs, thus improving public health outcomes.

Summary

Senate Bill 341, titled the Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act of 2025, aims to enhance the resilience of local communities against the environmental and public health impacts of wildfire smoke and extreme heat. The bill mandates the establishment of a comprehensive grant program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), targeting eligible entities such as state governments, local authorities, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations. These grants are intended to support efforts in detecting, preparing for, communicating about, and mitigating the effects of these environmental hazards. Through this initiative, communities can receive financial backing for implementing various air quality improvements and health interventions.

Contention

Debates surrounding SB341 may center on issues regarding funding distribution and the effectiveness of proposed measures in achieving their stated goals. While proponents argue that the bill provides essential support for vulnerable communities, critics may question whether enough resources are allocated for effective implementation. Furthermore, concerns may arise regarding the technical assistance provisions of the bill, and whether the objectives can be met within the outlined fiscal framework. As climate change continues to exacerbate the frequency and intensity of wildfires and heatwaves, the discussions around this bill could also reflect broader concerns about resource allocation and prioritization in public health and environmental protection legislation.

Congress_id

119-S-341

Policy_area

Environmental Protection

Introduced_date

2025-01-30

Latest SB341 Activity

Companion Bills

US HB903

Same As Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act of 2025This bill authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make grants to air pollution control agencies to support the development and implementation of programs that support local communities in detecting, preparing for, communicating with the public about, or mitigating the environmental and public health aspects of wildfire smoke and extreme heat. The EPA must establish a formula to distribute the grants among air pollution control agencies.The bill requires the EPA to establish four Centers of Excellence for Wildfire Smoke and Extreme Heat at institutions of higher education to research (1) the effects of smoke emissions from wildland fires and extreme heat on public health, and (2) the means by which communities can better respond to impacts from such conditions.Additionally, the EPA must begin to carry out research tostudy the health effects of smoke emissions from wildland fires and extreme heat;develop and disseminate personal and community-based interventions to reduce exposure to, and health effects of, wildland fire smoke emissions and extreme heat;increase the quality of smoke and extreme heat monitoring and prediction tools and techniques; anddevelop implementation and communication strategies.The EPA must also establish a competitive grant program to assist certain entities (e.g., a state) in developing and implementing collaborative community plans for mitigating the impacts of smoke emissions from wildland fires and extreme heat.

Previously Filed As

US SB2383

Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act of 2023

US HB4733

Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act of 2023

US HR1494

Recognizing the threat of air pollution and extreme heat to maternal and infant health, and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that meaningful interventions must be rapidly and equitably developed and deployed to address the unique vulnerabilities of pregnancy in Latino communities.

US HR1375

Recognizing the threat of extreme weather to children's health and well-being, and expressing the sense of Congress that solutions must be rapidly and equitably developed and deployed to address the unique vulnerabilities and needs of children.

US HB9024

Extreme Weather and Heat Response Modernization Act

US HB3561

PATIENT Act of 2023 Promoting Access to Treatments and Increasing Extremely Needed Transparency Act of 2023

US HB369

NIST Wildland Fire Communications and Information Dissemination Act This bill requires research on public safety communication coordination standards related to wildland firefighting. The Public Safety and Communications Research Division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) must carry out research on such standards among wildland firefighters, fire management response officials, and specified federal agencies responsible for coordinating and mobilizing for wildland fire and other incidents. The research must also focus on improving and integrating existing communications systems to allow for secure, real-time transmission of data, alerts, and advisories to fire management officials and wildland firefighters. In carrying out the research, the division must (1) conduct live and virtual field tests of equipment, software, and other technologies; and (2) consult with NIST's Fire Research Division and communication technology manufacturers. Informed by the research, NIST must publish recommendations for specified federal agencies to improve public safety communication coordination standards among wildland first responders and fire management officials. In addition, NIST must advise the Office of Management and Budget and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy concerning the agencies' implementation of the recommendations. Within one year of the publication of NIST's recommendations, the Government Accountability Office must report on the extent to which the agencies have implemented the recommendations.

US SB4898

Extreme Heat Emergency Act of 2024

US HB6221

SMOKE Act Smoke Mitigation and Occupational Key Enhancements Act

US HB492

Be Ready to Assist Veterans in Extremis Act or the BRAVE Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a patient outreach system under which it must ensure that veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system and have experienced a traumatic or highly stressful event may elect to receive information and resources relating to mental health and available mental health care services. The VA must coordinate the system with the Transition Assistance Program of the Department of Defense.