S 3044 — Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act of 2025

Bill Text

• Introduced Introduced in Senate Current html October 23, 2025

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill amends the Clean Air Act to modify the handling of air quality monitoring data related to exceptional events and adds a definition for prescribed fires.

• 42 U.S.C. 7619(b)

  In this section: → In this subsection:

  The introductory statement clarifies that the definitions apply to the subsection rather than the entire section.

• 42 U.S.C. 7619(b)(1)(A)(ii)

  is an event caused by human activity that is unlikely to recur at a particular location or a natural event; and → is a natural event, or an event caused by human activity that is unlikely to recur unless the event intended to mirror the occurrence or reoccurrence of a natural event, or a prescribed fire;

  This change expands the definition of exceptional events to include prescribed fires and clarifies the circumstances around natural events.

• 42 U.S.C. 7619(b)(1)(A)(iv)

  is determined by the Administrator through the process established in the regulations promulgated under paragraph (2) to be an exceptional event. → is determined to be an exceptional event by the impacted State, unless the Administrator, through the process established in the regulations revised under paragraph (2), subsequently determines that the event is not an exceptional event.

  This change modifies the process of designation for exceptional events, allowing states to determine exceptional events initially.

• 42 U.S.C. 7619(b)(2)(A)

  Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act of 2025, the Administrator, after consultation with Federal land managers, State air pollution control agencies, State foresters, and State fish and wildlife agencies, shall publish in the Federal Register proposed regulations governing the review and handling of air quality monitoring data influenced by exceptional events. → Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act of 2025, the Administrator, after consultation with Federal land managers, State air pollution control agencies, State foresters, and State fish and wildlife agencies, shall publish in the Federal Register revisions to existing regulations promulgated under this section to govern the review of State determinations and handling of air quality monitoring data influenced by exceptional events or prescribed fires.

  The amendment specifies that the regulations will also cover prescribed fires in addition to exceptional events.

• 42 U.S.C. 7619(b)(3)(B)(i)

  the occurrence of an exceptional event must be demonstrated by reliable, accurate data that is promptly produced and provided by Federal, State, or local government agencies; → the occurrence of an exceptional event or a prescribed fire must be demonstrated by reliable, accurate data that is promptly produced and provided by Federal, State, or local government agencies;

  The requirement for data demonstration now applies to both exceptional events and prescribed fires.

• 42 U.S.C. 7619(b)(4)

  Interim provisionUntil the effective date of a regulation promulgated under paragraph (2), the following guidance issued by the Administrator shall continue to apply: (A) Guidance on the identification and use of air quality data affected by exceptional events (July 1986). (B) Areas affected by PM–10 natural events, May 30, 1996. (C) Appendices I, K, and N to part 50 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations. → Regional, national, or international exceptional events.--At the request of multiple State or local government agencies or Tribal authorities, the Administrator shall conduct analyses or otherwise collaborate with such agencies or authorities to lead the development of regional, national, or international exceptional event demonstrations when exceptional events impact multijurisdictional areas.

  The provision shifts focus from interim guidance to collaboration among various government levels for handling exceptional events that affect multiple jurisdictions.

• 42 U.S.C. 7619(b)(1)

  Prescribed fire.--The term `prescribed fire' means a fire originating from a planned ignition in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and regulations to meet specific objectives.

  This adds a definition for 'prescribed fire' to the law.

Action History

1. October 23, 2025

   Introduced in Senate

2. October 23, 2025

   Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Sponsors

• John R. Curtis · Primary
• Cynthia M. Lummis · Cosponsor

Subjects