Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I completely understand that many State and local governments are dealing with severe air pollution related to wildfires, but as we approach Earth Day, it is important for us to recognize that efforts like the Clean Air Act should be continued to be implemented to the fullest and even enhanced where necessary. I will be crystal clear: The Clean Air Act already allows States to submit data for air pollution caused by exceptional events, preventing these emissions from penalizing them when determining compliance with air quality standards. Now, exceptional events are events that are typically uncommon and not easily within the State's control. Air pollution due to wildfires, including prescribed burns for wildfire mitigation, can definitely count as exceptional. In 2019, EPA issued guidance addressing how prescribed fires can satisfy the statutory definition of 'exceptional events.' In 2024, EPA issued a number of other tools to assist States in meeting the regulatory requirements.”