Bills · S 3044
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3044Forests, forestry, treesAir quality
Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act of 2025
INTRO OCT 23· LAST ACTION OCT 23
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenWildfires are a growing and destructive problem, intensified by climate change and decades of fire suppression. They cause immense air pollution, destroy homes and natural habitats, and pose significant health risks. Prescribed fires are a critical tool used by land managers to reduce fuel buildup in forests, thereby preventing future catastrophic wildfires and their associated, much larger emissions.
This bill matters because current Clean Air Act rules can discourage states from conducting necessary prescribed fires due to concerns about temporary air quality exceedances. By allowing emissions from prescribed fires to be treated as 'exceptional events,' the bill removes a key hurdle for proactive forest management. If passed, it could lead to more widespread and effective use of prescribed fires, potentially reducing the frequency, intensity, and overall emissions of devastating wildfires. Without this change, states might continue to limit prescribed fires, which could contribute to more severe wildfire seasons with greater environmental and economic costs.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Treats prescribed fires as 'exceptional events' under the Clean Air Act.
This allows pollution from planned, controlled burns to not count against a state's air quality compliance, promoting proactive wildfire prevention.
PROVISION 02
Broadens the definition of an 'exceptional event' to include human activities intended to prevent more severe emissions.
This specifically covers prescribed fires aimed at mitigating larger, more damaging wildfires, reinforcing the bill's purpose.
PROVISION 03
Empowers states to make the initial determination of whether an event is 'exceptional,' subject to EPA review.
This streamlines the process for states while maintaining federal oversight for air quality standards.
PROVISION 04
Requires the EPA Administrator to publish revised regulations within 270 days and finalize them within 180 days to govern the handling of air quality data influenced by exceptional events or prescribed fires.
This sets a clear, expedited timeline for the EPA to implement the new rules and provide guidance.
PROVISION 05
Mandates the EPA to collaborate with multiple state, local, or tribal agencies on analyses for regional exceptional events.
This supports coordinated efforts to address large-scale pollution events that cross jurisdictional boundaries.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
R· Utah
YRS IN OFFICE
8
BILLS LED
52
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSOCT 23
Introduced in Senate
OCT 23
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
SEP 10
Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Hearings held prior to introduction and/or referral. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 119-343.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 3044
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedOct 23, 2025
Last actionOct 23, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED OCT 23, 2025
Senate BillS 3044Forests, forestry, treesAir quality
Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act of 2025
INTRODUCED OCT 23, 2025· LAST ACTION OCT 23, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
5 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
