Air quality has become an increasing concern across New York State in recent years, particularly after smoke from Canadian wildfires blanketed much of the region in 2023.
The hazy skies and air quality alerts that summer exposed gaps in how the state responds to dangerous air pollution events. Now advocates are urging lawmakers to pass legislation that would better prepare communities when the air becomes unsafe to breathe.
The proposed Hazardous Air Quality Emergency Preparedness Bill would define hazardous air quality events as a state-recognized disaster. Supporters say that designation would allow New York to coordinate resources and respond more quickly during events like wildfire smoke or industrial pollution spikes.
Max Micallef, New York State Advocacy Manager for Clean Air Initiatives with the American Lung Association, said the 2023 wildfire smoke highlighted how unprepared many communities were.
“In June of 2023 the Canadian wildfires were in full force and all of New York State was affected,” Micallef said. “The skies were red and orange and filled with fine particulate matter and other pollutants that worsen lung disease.”
Despite the scale of the event, Micallef said hazardous air quality is not currently included in New York’s legal definition of a disaster.
“In New York State we have things like tsunamis and volcanic activity listed as disasters, but we don’t have hazardous air quality,” he said. “That’s absolutely ridiculous.”
The bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas and Senator Pete Harckham, would change that by formally recognizing hazardous air events as disasters. That would give the governor authority to declare an emergency and release funding and resources to local communities.
Supporters say that designation would help municipalities respond more effectively by distributing protective equipment such as masks, improving air filtration systems in schools and senior centers, and ensuring the public receives timely health guidance.
The legislation would also require local governments to incorporate air quality emergencies into their comprehensive emergency management plans.
Health advocates say the stakes are high, especially for vulnerable populations.
During the 2023 wildfire smoke event, emergency room visits increased among children and older adults with asthma and other respiratory conditions. Communities already burdened by pollution, particularly low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, experienced some of the worst impacts.
“People with preexisting lung disease are going to be the most vulnerable,” Micallef said. “But we also see disproportionate impacts on communities that have historically faced higher levels of pollution.”
Supporters say climate change is increasing the likelihood of events that degrade air quality, including large wildfires. But the bill would also address industrial emissions spikes that can suddenly worsen air conditions.
While the legislation moves through the committee process in Albany, health experts say residents should stay informed about air quality conditions in their communities.
Micallef recommends monitoring local forecasts and air quality alerts and limiting outdoor activity when conditions become unhealthy.
“You can easily check air quality online by searching your city or town along with air quality,” he said. “And if you need to go outside during hazardous conditions, wearing a medical-grade mask can help reduce exposure.”
Advocates with the American Lung Association are encouraging New Yorkers to contact their state lawmakers and urge support for the bill as it moves through the legislature.
Supporters say stronger planning and coordination now could help protect communities from future air pollution emergencies.
“Clean air is not a luxury,” Micallef said. “It’s essential to the health and safety of every New Yorker
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