Bill · S.Res. 561· Senate(119-SRES-561)

A resolution recognizing that particulate matter pollution can cause heart attacks, asthma, strokes, and premature death.

Age: 71 years

Rhode Island

Introduced: 12/17/2025
Last activity: 12/17/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Sponsored by: Sheldon Whitehouse
Cosponsors: - 8 - 0

Environmental Protection

Introduced
In Committee

A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.

What this bill would do

This Senate resolution recognizes that particulate matter pollution can cause heart attacks, asthma, strokes, and premature death. It notes that these tiny airborne particles come from a mix of chemicals and elements, with fossil fuel combustion being the largest source in the United States. The text points out that an estimated 80,000,000 people live within 3 miles of a fossil fuel-fired power plant. It highlights that long-term exposure can cause health issues such as bronchitis, decreased lung function, hemorrhagic stroke, and lung cancer. Finally, the resolution states it is the sense of the Senate that the Environmental Protection Agency should maintain and enforce safe nationwide standards for particulate matter.

Yes· 3 of 8

Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+7
Supports the maintenance and enforcement of safe nationwide standards for particulate matter pollution by the EPA.
Would children be better off under this?+6
Aims to protect children, who are particularly vulnerable to lung damage and asthma from particulate matter.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+6
Promotes stricter air quality standards which indirectly target fossil fuel combustion emissions.