Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act of 2025
Summary
The Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act of 2025 amends the Clean Air Act concerning air quality monitoring related to prescribed fires. It aims to refine how exceptional events, including prescribed fires, are handled in air quality monitoring data. The bill seeks to balance environmental protection with the necessity of prescribed fires for preventing more severe wildfires.
Expected Effects
This act will likely change the process by which states and the EPA handle air quality data influenced by prescribed fires. It could lead to more flexibility in using prescribed fires for land management. The act also mandates revisions to existing regulations to accommodate these changes.
Potential Benefits
- Allows for more effective use of prescribed fires to prevent larger, more damaging wildfires.
- Clarifies the definition and handling of prescribed fires under the Clean Air Act.
- Requires the EPA to revise regulations related to air quality monitoring data influenced by prescribed fires.
- Promotes collaboration between federal, state, and tribal authorities in managing exceptional events.
- Could lead to improved air quality in the long term by preventing severe wildfire emissions.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased emissions from prescribed fires if not properly managed.
- Possible challenges in accurately monitoring and attributing air quality impacts from prescribed fires.
- Concerns that the revised regulations may weaken air quality standards.
- Risk of unintended consequences from altering the definition of exceptional events.
- Potential for disputes between stakeholders regarding the use of prescribed fires.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the constitutional principle of promoting the general welfare (Preamble). Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce, which includes environmental regulations that affect air quality (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3). The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or freedoms.
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).