HR 5481119th CongressIn Committee

Wildfire Smoke Relief Act

Introduced: Sep 18, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2] (D-Colorado)

Environment & ClimateHealthcare

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Wildfire Smoke Relief Act authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide assistance to vulnerable individuals living in areas affected by unhealthy air quality from wildfires for at least three consecutive days. The bill expands FEMA's existing Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program to include funding for smoke-inhalation prevention equipment and, when necessary, temporary shelter. This assistance would be distributed through state and local governments, public health authorities, and coordinated care organizations to protect at-risk populations from the health dangers of wildfire smoke.

Key Points

1Authorizes FEMA to provide smoke-inhalation prevention equipment including portable air filtration units, air filters, N95 and P100 respirators, and home weatherization items like weather strips and portable air-conditioning units
2Defines eligible individuals as low-income people, parents with children under 19, pregnant women, seniors 65 and older, and those with chronic respiratory, cardiovascular, or smoke-sensitive conditions
3Triggers assistance when air quality index reaches unhealthy levels for three or more consecutive days due to wildfires
4Allows for temporary shelter assistance when prevention equipment alone is insufficient to protect health
5Designates state/local governments, public health authorities, and coordinated care organizations as qualified entities to distribute assistance

Impact Areas

Vulnerable populations: Provides critical health protection for low-income individuals, children, elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions during wildfire smoke eventsState and local governments: Creates new responsibilities and funding streams for distributing emergency smoke-related assistancePublic health infrastructure: Expands disaster response capabilities to address air quality emergencies beyond traditional shelter needsFederal emergency management: Broadens FEMA's Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program to include preventive health equipment and smoke-related disasters

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