The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on Jan. 21 voted 27-23 to approve legislation led by U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) that would update the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
“For decades, states’ economic growth has been hampered by overly strict, outdated air quality standards,” Rep. Carter said. “My bill brings much-needed common-sense reform to this system by empowering states to reduce air pollution without getting in the way of prosperity.
“We are giving states a framework to work with, not burdensome red tape to work through,” he said.
The committee passed the Clean Air and Economic Advancement Reform (CLEAR) Act, H.R. 4218, which Rep. Carter sponsored in June 2025 with six Republican original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Troy Balderson (R-OH) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA), to amend the Clean Air Act to facilitate state implementation of NAAQS.
Rep. Carter says the bill would make attaining clean air standards realistic, while giving states the time needed to comply; exclude natural disasters, wildfires, and actions to prevent wildfires that produce emissions from regulatory penalties; and protect the environment while also paving the way for responsible economic development.
The measure now moves to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.