Shielding Students from Wildfire Smoke Act

Bill Number

H.R. 4976

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Environmental Protection

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-08-15: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2025-11-13T09:05:46Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Shielding Students from Wildfire Smoke Act (H.R. 4976) aims to enhance understanding of how wildfire smoke affects children in schools and childcare facilities. It focuses on reviewing current policies to better protect young people from health risks posed by smoke exposure during and after wildfires, including in related activities like sports or camps.

Key Provisions

• Contract for Review: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator must seek a contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to evaluate existing policies on wildfire smoke in K-12 schools and childcare settings.
• Scope of Review: The study covers protections for children during active wildfires and in the recovery period afterward, extending to out-of-school or out-of-childcare activities (e.g., children's sports or summer camps) run by schools or childcare programs.
• Elements of the Review:
• Assess current standards, guidance, and strategies (like ventilation or evacuation plans) for managing wildfire smoke exposure.
• Identify gaps in research and policies related to these protections.
• Provide recommendations to Congress on improved strategies, with emphasis on under-resourced schools and childcare facilities (e.g., those in low-income areas with limited resources).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new mandate for the EPA to commission an independent review by the National Academies, which does not amend prior laws but adds a structured process for evaluating and potentially updating wildfire smoke policies. No direct changes to enforcement or penalties are specified; it primarily focuses on research and recommendations rather than immediate regulatory overhauls.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The EPA will face administrative requirements to initiate and fund the contract, potentially leading to new guidance or programs based on the review's findings. Congress may need to act on recommendations, influencing federal education and environmental policies.
• Citizens: Children in schools and childcare—especially in wildfire-prone areas—could benefit from stronger protections against smoke-related health issues like respiratory problems. Families in under-resourced communities may see targeted improvements in safety measures.
• International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the bill is domestic-focused on U.S. educational settings; however, it could indirectly inform global discussions on climate-related health risks from wildfires.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Children and Families: Primary beneficiaries, particularly K-12 students and young children in childcare, including those in extracurricular activities.
• Educational and Childcare Providers: Schools, daycare centers, and program administrators who must implement smoke-related policies.
• Government Entities: EPA (leads the review), National Academies (conducts the study), and Congress (receives recommendations).
• Under-Resourced Communities: Low-income or rural areas with higher wildfire exposure and fewer resources for mitigation.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Establishes a clear directive for federal action on environmental health in education, potentially paving the way for future regulations under the Clean Air Act (which addresses air quality but lacks specific wildfire smoke rules for schools). The review's recommendations could influence state-level policies without federal mandates.
• Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; it aligns with Congress's authority over interstate commerce and environmental protection, while respecting state roles in education.
• Political: Highlights bipartisan concern for climate impacts on vulnerable groups (introduced by a diverse group of representatives). It may spur debates on funding for environmental research amid growing wildfire frequency due to climate change, but avoids partisan mandates by relying on expert recommendations.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3]

Cosponsors (21)

Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1], Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Whitesides, George [D-CA-27], Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5]

Recent Actions

• 2025-08-15: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2025-08-15: Introduced in House
• 2025-08-15: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Shielding Students from Wildfire Smoke Act — issued 2025-08-15 — PDF (3 pages)