Bills · HR 6409
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 6409Civil actions and liabilitySanctions
FENCES Act
INTRO DEC 3· LAST ACTION APR 17
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
2
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it changes how the federal government evaluates and enforces air quality standards, especially in areas struggling with pollution that drifts in from outside their control. If this bill becomes law, states might avoid federal penalties, fines, and the need for expensive new local regulations when their air quality problems are largely due to foreign pollution or natural events like wildfires. This could provide economic relief to industries and communities in affected areas by preventing the imposition of stricter local rules.
However, it also raises questions about accountability. If states are excused from penalties, it could be argued that it might reduce the urgency to tackle all possible sources of pollution, even local ones, under the umbrella of 'emissions beyond control.' The bill seeks to balance environmental protection with practical considerations for states facing external pollution challenges, directly impacting local economies, regulatory environments, and ultimately, the air quality people breathe.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Clarifies that emissions from outside the United States, regardless of whether they come from human activity or natural causes, must be considered when evaluating a state's air quality.
This makes sure states are not held responsible for pollution from natural events (like volcanoes) or human activities in other countries when their air quality is assessed.
PROVISION 02
Prevents an area from being designated as having 'dirty air' (a nonattainment area) if it would meet federal air quality standards except for pollution blowing in from outside the U.S.
This protects states from a negative designation and the associated regulatory burdens if their air quality issues are primarily due to foreign pollution.
PROVISION 03
Waives certain federal penalties and fees for states with severe air pollution if they can prove their failure to meet standards is due to pollution from outside their area, exceptional events, or uncontrollable mobile sources.
This provides financial and regulatory relief to states that are genuinely struggling with air quality due to factors beyond their direct control.
PROVISION 04
Requires states to renew their demonstration of 'emissions beyond control' every five years to continue avoiding sanctions and fees.
This ensures ongoing accountability, requiring states to periodically prove that external factors are still the primary cause of their air quality issues.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
R· Texas
YRS IN OFFICE
5
BILLS LED
61
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 2%
DEM 0 REP 2 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
33 EVENTSAPR 17
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
APR 16
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2937-2938)
APR 16
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 213 - 215 (Roll no. 115).
APR 16
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 220 - 208 (Roll no. 116).
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 6409
Congress119th
StatusPassed House
IntroducedDec 3, 2025
Last actionApr 17, 2026
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PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS · ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED DEC 3, 2025
House BillHR 6409Civil actions and liabilitySanctions
FENCES Act
INTRODUCED DEC 3, 2025· LAST ACTION APR 17, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
