If enacted, SB2383 will authorize the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to distribute grant funds, totaling approximately $50 million annually, to air pollution control agencies. These funds will be aimed at a variety of activities, including improving air quality monitoring capabilities, conducting outreach in vulnerable communities, and equipping public buildings with air filtration systems. The bill seeks to enhance the capacity of local governments to manage air quality during severe heat events and wildfires, fostering a healthier environment and safeguarding public health.
Summary
SB2383, known as the Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act of 2023, aims to amend the Clean Air Act by establishing a grant program that supports local communities in addressing the environmental and public health impacts arising from wildfire smoke and extreme heat. This legislation recognizes the growing challenges posed by climate change and aims to equip communities with the necessary tools and resources to prepare for, communicate about, and mitigate these hazardous conditions. The program will specifically seek to aid entities such as state and local governments, Native Hawaiian organizations, and Indian tribes in their efforts to improve resilience in the face of climate-induced health risks.
Contention
One of the notable points of contention regarding SB2383 is the allocation of resources and the responsibilities assigned to the EPA versus state and local agencies. There are concerns that the bill might create an administrative burden for local entities tasked with complying with new standards and securing grants. Furthermore, the bill's emphasis on community collaboration may raise questions about the effectiveness of proposed outreach efforts, especially in areas with existing disparities in healthcare access and environmental justice. Advocates stress the importance of adequate funding and support to ensure that the intended benefits of the bill reach the most affected populations.
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.
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.