Clearing the Air: How EPA looks at smoke impacts attributable to ecological wildland prescribed burning

For over a decade, EPA Region 7 has been working with stakeholders to protect our communities and reduce smoke emissions from prescribed fires on our native wildland prairies. EPA recognizes that fire is part of a natural renewal process and essential for sustaining the tall grass prairies, but burning millions of acres during the spring in a compressed time period can send unhealthy levels of smoke emissions into downwind communities. EPA’s Exceptional Event Rule can provide Air Agency’s with regulatory relief if smoke emissions causing air quality violations are out of the State’s (or Tribes) reasonable control. Join us to hear Gina Grier, EPA region 7, explain the basics of the Exceptional Events Rule and actions that can be taken to minimize smoke emissions and protect public health.