U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) last week led five of his home state Republican colleagues in requesting that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) address the impact of Canadian wildfire smoke on families near the Great Lakes and across the Northeast.
“Record-breaking wildfire smoke is inflicting real harm on Wisconsin families. We cannot allow this to continue,” wrote Rep. Steil and the lawmakers in a July 17 letter sent to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “Canada must meet its clean air promise and prevent future wildfires from impacting Wisconsin families.”
The members requested that the EPA take appropriate measures under the U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement (AQA), an important tool used to prevent air pollution from crossing international borders.
“In recent years, the Canadian government has elected to reduce the number of controlled or prescribed burns,” wrote Rep. Steil and his colleagues. “This has prompted criticism both domestically and abroad. Responsible wildfire management, such as controlled burns, is critical to reducing the frequency and severity of wildfires.”
They noted that ongoing wildfire smoke has significantly worsened air quality throughout the United States, particularly in Wisconsin, where the EPA’s Air Quality Index reading reached “hazardous” levels on July 16.
“Such poor air quality has significant harmful effects on residents, in particular on seniors, children, and individuals with pre-existing conditions such as cardiovascular or respiratory issues,” they wrote.
The U.S.-Canada AQA, added the lawmakers, requires both nations to consult upon the request of either the U.S. or Canada on any “actions, activities, or projects that may be causing significant transboundary air pollution.” Following consultation, either nation may request help to resolve the dispute from the International Joint Commission.
“We encourage the EPA to utilize tools in the U.S.-Canada AQA to support responsible wildfire management strategies by the Canadian government and to protect Americans against similar occurrences in the future,” they wrote.