McClellan, Dexter, Tonko Introduce Bill to Shield Students from Toxic Wildfire Smoke
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) joined Representatives Maxine Dexter (OR-03) and Paul Tonko (NY-20) to introduce the Shielding Students from Wildfire Smoke Act, new legislation aimed at strengthening national understanding and response strategies to protect children’s health during wildfire smoke events. Wildfire smoke contains dangerous pollutants that can trigger asthma, worsen respiratory conditions and increase the risk of long-term lung damage. Yet Congress has still not provided clear, science-based policies to protect children in schools and childcare centers during or after wildfire smoke events.
“Wildfire smoke poses a grave threat to the health and safety of our communities — especially our children, whose unique needs and vulnerabilities put them at even greater risk,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “If we want to protect future generations, we must better understand the harm wildfire smoke can inflict on them. This bill makes an important first step towards responding to wildfires and today’s climate crisis.”
“As wildfire smoke continues to blanket our communities, teachers and childcare providers are left without the guidance they need to keep our kids safe,” said Congresswoman Dexter. “That starts by collecting the data necessary to inform federal policies on wildfire events. This bill is about protecting our children with science, not guesswork.”
“Wildfires and wildfire smoke impacts communities in every corner of our nation — and the harm they cause will only grow as climate change drives temperatures higher and worsens droughts,” Congressman Tonko said. “We need commonsense, sound solutions to protect our kids from the dangers caused by wildfire smoke; this bill does just that. Proud to support this legislation that addresses this threat and protects the health and wellbeing of our students.”
The legislation directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to contract the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to conduct a comprehensive review of how schools and childcare centers across the country prepare for and respond to wildfire smoke events. The study will guide future federal action to ensure every child is protected from wildfire smoke — no matter their zip code.