Cleaner Air Spaces Act of 2025

Bill Number: S. 147
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Environmental Protection
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-01-17: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Last Updated: 2025-07-01T11:06:18Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Cleaner Air Spaces Act of 2025 aims to protect vulnerable populations in low-income communities from harmful air pollution caused by wildland fire smoke (smoke from wildfires). It directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to fund state, local, and Tribal air quality agencies in creating "cleaner air spaces" through grants for air filtration devices, public clean air rooms, and education.

Key Provisions

Definitions:
Air pollution control agency: A government body responsible for managing air quality, as defined under the Clean Air Act.
Clean air center: One or more rooms in a public building designed to minimize exposure to wildfire smoke.
Clean air room: A space in a home or building equipped to keep pollutant levels low during smoke events.
Covered household: Low-income families (based on tax code definitions for economically disadvantaged areas) with members at high risk from smoke, such as those with health conditions, disabilities, or older age.
Eligible air filtration unit: Portable devices meeting strict standards for smoke removal (e.g., certified to filter 99.97% of tiny particles, energy-efficient, and ozone-free).

Grant Program:
EPA provides grants to air pollution control agencies, capped at $3 million each.
At least one grant must go to a Tribal agency overseeing air quality.
Agencies must apply with a detailed plan, including partnerships with community-based organizations (non-profits or local groups focused on community needs).

Program Implementation Requirements:
Establish at least one clean air center in smoke-prone areas, open and staffed during events (optionally before/after).
Publicize the program and clean air centers via ads, especially during smoke events.
Distribute at least 1,000 free eligible air filtration units plus one replacement filter per unit to covered households.
Provide educational materials on setting up clean air rooms at home.
Collect and report data to EPA on units distributed, types, and costs.
Conduct anonymous surveys 6 months after distribution to assess usage, barriers, and improvements.

Partnerships and Oversight:
Agencies must collaborate with at least one community-based organization for program execution.
EPA must submit a report to Congress within 3 years, covering program details, survey results, and recommendations for expansion or improvements.

Funding:
Authorizes $30 million for fiscal years 2026–2028.
Up to 10% of funds can cover EPA's administrative costs (e.g., processing applications).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new grant program under the EPA's authority from the Clean Air Act, which previously focused on broader air quality standards but did not specifically target wildfire smoke protection for vulnerable groups. It adds targeted funding and requirements for air filtration and public spaces without altering core Clean Air Act rules.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: EPA gains new responsibilities for grant administration and reporting, while state, local, and Tribal air agencies must partner with communities and track program outcomes, potentially increasing workload but with dedicated funding.
On Citizens: Low-income and vulnerable individuals (e.g., those with asthma or elderly) in smoke-affected areas gain access to free air cleaners and safe public spaces, improving health during wildfire seasons and reducing emergency healthcare needs.
On International Relations: No direct impact, as the focus is domestic air quality in the U.S.
Broader effects include enhanced preparedness for increasing wildfires due to climate change, potentially lowering public health costs in affected regions.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Air Pollution Control Agencies: State, local, and Tribal entities responsible for applying for and running the programs.
Community-Based Organizations: Non-profits partnering on distribution, education, and outreach.
Covered Households: Low-income families with high-risk members benefiting from free devices and centers.
EPA: Oversees grants, data collection, and congressional reporting.
General Public: Indirectly benefits from reduced smoke exposure and better air quality awareness in wildfire-prone areas.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Builds on the Clean Air Act's framework for EPA grants, ensuring compliance with environmental protection mandates. The bill emphasizes equity by prioritizing low-income and vulnerable groups, aligning with federal goals for environmental justice (fair treatment in pollution impacts).
Constitutional: No major issues; it involves standard congressional spending power and does not infringe on states' rights, as grants are voluntary and collaborative.
Political: Addresses growing concerns over wildfire smoke amid climate change, promoting bipartisan environmental health initiatives. The 3-year report could influence future funding or expansions, potentially sparking debates on federal vs. local roles in disaster preparedness.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]

Cosponsors (8)

Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]

Recent Actions

2025-01-17: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
2025-01-17: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

Cleaner Air Spaces Act of 2025 — issued 2025-01-17 — PDF (10 pages)