The bipartisan Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act, sponsored by Representatives Gabe Evans (CO-08) and Adam Gray (CA-13), has advanced through the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The bill, H.R. 6387, is now set to move to the House floor for further consideration.
The FIRE Act aims to clarify air quality planning requirements so that states are not penalized for smoke and emissions from sources beyond their control, such as wildfires or international pollution. The legislation also seeks to maintain strong environmental protections while reducing regulatory burdens on manufacturers and communities.
Representative Gabe Evans commented on the impact of current regulations: “A leading reason for the affordability crisis facing Coloradans is red tape around air quality permitting. When the economy is strangled under the weight of costly, poorly designed ozone attainment standards, jobs are lost, prices spike, and financial stress increases negative health outcomes. Clean air is important to everyone, but Colorado jobs should not be penalized for emissions outside of their control — whether it’s Canadian wildfires or Chinese pollution.
My bill, the FIRE Act, is a common-sense solution that will drive down costs for working families in Colorado by clarifying that Clean Air Act benchmarks should not be used to punish jobs and hamstring the economy for things like prescribed burns or out-of-state wildfire smoke.” — Congressman Gabe Evans
Congressman Adam Gray highlighted the bill’s relevance to his district: “This bipartisan bill would protect communities in the Central Valley from strict air quality regulations following prescribed burns or wildfire pollution. I commend the Energy and Commerce Committee for quick passage of the FIRE Act and call on Speaker Johnson to bring this bill to the Floor for a vote.” — Congressman Adam Gray (CA-13)
Communities along Colorado’s Front Range have faced ongoing challenges meeting federal ozone standards set by the Clean Air Act. These difficulties have led to increased regulatory requirements affecting local industries and consumers. For example, Colorado drivers must use reformulated gasoline during summer months—a measure reported to cost more without significantly lowering ozone levels.
Data indicates that only 29% of ozone and air pollution along Colorado’s Front Range comes from human activity within Colorado; most originates from external sources such as wildfires or overseas pollution.
The FIRE Act was introduced on December 3, 2025, passing through both committee stages by mid-December. The legislation has received broad support from various stakeholders across Colorado and nationwide.