The College is proud to support two newly introduced pieces of legislation – the Wildfire Smoke Emergency Declaration Act and the Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act. These bills would help federal, state, and local governments better understand, manage, and communicate on air quality issues caused by excessive heat and wildfire smoke.
Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced the two bills aimed at protecting communities across the nation from the hazardous health, economic, and environmental impacts of severe wildfire smoke and extreme heat events, which are becoming more frequent.
NOTE: In Sen. Merkley’s press release about the bills, Todd Mahr, MD, FACAAI, Executive Medical Director, is quoted as saying, “The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, representing over 5,000 board-certified allergy and immunology physicians, proudly endorses this important legislation which will help federal, state and local government agencies manage the impacts of heat and smoke related air quality issues in their communities – which can exacerbate respiratory medical conditions that allergists specialize in treating.” Read Sen. Merkley’s press release.
As the leader in asthma care, the College understands the importance of air quality for our patients. We’ll continue to monitor the legislation as it advances through the Senate and House.
The Advocacy Council – ADVOCATING FOR ALLERGISTS AND THEIR PATIENTS.
