Wildfire Smoke Emergency Declaration Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Harder, Josh [D-CA-9]
Introduced
Summary
Creates a federal smoke emergency authority. The bill would let the President declare a smoke emergency when wildland fire smoke causes or is expected to cause a significant drop in air quality and would unlock federal help for affected States and communities.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Grants for smoke-hit small businesses
If enacted, the bill would let the Small Business Administration provide grants to small business concerns that lose a significant amount of revenue from wildland fire smoke in a declared smoke emergency area. "Small business" would mean the definition in 15 U.S.C. 632. The bill does not define "significant" or say how large the grants would be. Grants would depend on program rules and future appropriations.
Federal smoke emergency aid for communities
If enacted, the bill would let the President declare a smoke emergency when wildland fire smoke harms air quality. A Governor or other state official would be able to request that declaration. If declared, FEMA and other federal agencies would provide grants, equipment, supplies, and personnel. They would also help set up smoke shelters, air purifiers, and extra air monitors. The bill would authorize Congress to appropriate whatever sums are needed to run the program. It would change budget rules so money labeled "smoke emergency assistance" counts in the yearly budget adjustment. When Congress designates such discretionary appropriations, the budget adjustment would equal their total for that fiscal year. Those appropriations would not be eligible for an adjustment under subparagraph (A) that year.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Harder, Josh [D-CA-9]
CA • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov