Healthy Lungs for Heroes Act of 2025
Summary
The Healthy Lungs for Heroes Act of 2025 aims to improve safety standards for wildland firefighters by directing the Secretary of Agriculture to develop and implement strategies for respiratory protection. This includes providing appropriate respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE) in settings where smoke exposure exceeds permissible limits. The Act also mandates periodic review of safety standards and authorizes appropriations to carry out these provisions.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to improved respiratory health and safety for wildland firefighters by ensuring they have access to and use appropriate PPE. It will also establish a framework for continuous review and improvement of safety standards. This could reduce the incidence of respiratory illnesses and improve the overall well-being of wildland firefighters.
Potential Benefits
- Improved respiratory health for wildland firefighters.
- Reduced risk of smoke-related illnesses and injuries.
- Enhanced safety standards and protocols.
- Increased availability of appropriate respiratory PPE.
- Continuous review and improvement of safety measures.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with providing PPE and implementing new safety standards.
- Possible delays in the implementation of the Act.
- Challenges in coordinating efforts between different federal agencies.
- Uncertainty regarding the specific types of PPE that will be deemed appropriate.
- Potential for increased administrative burden on the Secretary of Agriculture and the Forest Service.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to protect the health and safety of wildland firefighters. Specifically, the preamble states the Constitution is intended to "promote the general Welfare". The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to appropriate funds for the general welfare, which would cover the authorization of appropriations in this bill.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).