Bills · S 3836
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3836SanctionsState and local government operations
FENCES Act
INTRO FEB 11· LAST ACTION FEB 11
READING
3MIN
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-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses a long-standing concern for states: being penalized for air pollution that originates beyond their borders or from events outside their control. Currently, states can face significant fines and restrictions if they fail to meet federal air quality standards, even if a substantial portion of that pollution drifts in from other countries or is caused by natural disasters like wildfires.
If this bill becomes law, states would have more flexibility and protection against these penalties, potentially saving taxpayer money and easing regulatory burdens on local industries. This means state governments could focus their resources on reducing local pollution sources that they *can* control, rather than being penalized for issues they largely can't. However, if it doesn't become law, states would continue to be held fully accountable for meeting air quality standards, regardless of the source of the pollution, potentially leading to more areas being designated as having unhealthy air and facing federal sanctions, even when foreign or natural emissions are major contributors.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Clarifies that emissions from outside the U.S. include both human-caused and natural sources when a state explains why it couldn't meet air standards.
This broadens the types of external pollution states can point to when seeking an exemption from air quality rules.
PROVISION 02
Prevents an area from being designated as failing new or updated air quality standards if the state proves it would meet them were it not for pollution from outside the U.S.
This prevents states from being penalized for air quality issues primarily caused by external, uncontrollable sources under new regulations.
PROVISION 03
Exempts states from certain fines and sanctions for severe ozone or particulate matter nonattainment if they demonstrate the problem is due to emissions from outside the area, exceptional events, or uncontrollable mobile sources.
This directly protects states from financial and regulatory penalties for pollution they have limited control over, such as those from natural disasters or cross-border sources.
PROVISION 04
Requires states to renew their demonstration (proof) for these exemptions from sanctions and fees at least once every five years.
This ensures that states periodically re-evaluate and justify their need for the exemptions, preventing them from being permanent without review.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
R· Wyoming
YRS IN OFFICE
17
BILLS LED
47
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 11
Introduced in Senate
FEB 11
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 3836
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 11, 2026
Last actionFeb 11, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 11, 2026
Senate BillS 3836SanctionsState and local government operations
FENCES Act
INTRODUCED FEB 11, 2026· LAST ACTION FEB 11, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
