Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act of 2026

Reduced Regulatory Burdens for States: Under Section 2(a)(2), amending Section 319(b)(2)(B)(i)(I) of the Clean Air Act, the Administrator must revise regulations to reduce the cost and burden for States to demonstrate an exceptional event. This is positive because it helps local governments save resources when dealing with air quality rules related to prescribed fires.

Clearer Rules for Prescribed Fires: Under Section 2(a)(1), amending Section 319(b)(1)(A) of the Clean Air Act, prescribed fires and cultural burning activities by an Indian tribe are explicitly included in the definition of exceptional events. This is positive because it gives clear legal recognition to controlled burns used for land management and tribal traditions.

Automatic Approval Timelines for State Petitions: Under Section 2(a)(3), amending Section 319(b)(3)(B)(v) of the Clean Air Act, a State petition will be deemed approved if the Administrator does not act on it within one year. This is positive because it holds federal officials accountable and prevents state requests from sitting indefinitely.

Grants for Safer Community Buildings: Under Section 3(a), the Administrator may award competitive grants for assessing, preventing, controlling, or abating wildfire smoke hazards in community buildings, including school buildings. This is positive because it helps protect people, especially children, from dangerous smoke.

Cost-Share Waivers for Economically Distressed Communities: Under Section 3(c)(2), the Administrator may waive the normal cost-share requirement if a facility is located in an economically distressed community. This is positive because it ensures poorer areas are not left behind due to a lack of local matching funds.