Rep. Crank Votes to Reduce Fire Risk and Increase Transparency in Air Quality

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Representative Jeff Crank (CO-05) voted in favor of H.R. 6387, the Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act.

Colorado, like many Western states, is experiencing historic drought and low snowpack this year. These are conditions that significantly elevate wildfire risk. Yet current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations governing "exceptional events" fail to account for wildfire mitigation activities like prescribed burns and count those emissions against a state's compliance with federal air quality standards. At the same time, states must navigate an increasingly burdensome and inconsistent process to exclude emissions from naturally occurring wildfires. This lack of clarity and flexibility creates unnecessary hurdles and delays, making it harder for states to manage air quality effectively.

As a result, states can be unfairly pushed into nonattainment, forcing businesses, manufacturers, and local governments to bear the regulatory and economic consequences. The FIRE Act would improve the Clean Air Act by clarifying how the EPA treats emissions from wildfires, prescribed burns, and other uncontrollable sources in federal air quality reviews.

"I am proud to cosponsor the FIRE Act, led by my Colorado colleague Gabe Evans," said Rep. Crank. "States should not be penalized for taking proactive steps to prevent catastrophic wildfires and ultimately reduce overall emissions. As wildfire risk continues to rise in the Pikes Peak region, regulatory clarity from the EPA on how wildfire emissions are treated is more important than ever."

Background:

• This legislation updates section 319[b] of the Clean Air Act to clarify how emissions from wildfires, prescribed burns, and other uncontrollable sources are treated in federal air quality reviews.
• Strengthens coordination with the EPA to ensure transparent determinations.

Endorsements:

• Colorado Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association
• Colorado Motor Carriers Association
• Action Colorado
• Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association
• Colorado Ready Mix Concrete Association
• Colorado Petroleum Association
• Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Association
• Club 20
• Colorado Oil and Gas Association
• Colorado Association of Homebuilders
• Adams County Regional Economic Partnership
• Pike Peak Area Council of Governments

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