The American Lung Association in New York has reiterated its support for the “Hazardous Air Quality Emergency Preparedness Bill” (A7036 González-Rojas/S5729 Harckham) as part of efforts to address increasing air quality emergencies in the state.
If enacted, the bill would define hazardous air quality events as state-recognized disasters and require local governments to include air quality emergency preparedness in their emergency management plans. This includes creating action plans and conducting annual resource inventories. The goal is to ensure a more coordinated response across New York and provide timely assistance to vulnerable groups during such emergencies.
Air quality issues like wildfire smoke and industrial emissions have continued to affect residents, particularly children, older adults, and communities already exposed to high pollution levels. Several leaders voiced their reasons for supporting the legislation.
“In June of 2023 we saw how the Canadian wildfires blanketed the skies of New York State orange and red. What we also saw was a surge in increased emergency room visits of children and older adults in Black and Brown communities due to asthma and COPD complications. This is in addition to the daily reality that low-income communities already face with industrial emissions spikes in their own backyards. New York State must be prepared to give local municipalities the operations and resources they need to respond to pressing air quality events, and protect lung health,” said Max Micallef, New York State Advocacy Manager, Clean Air Initiatives with the American Lung Association.
“Overwhelming evidence shows that poor air quality poses a serious threat to public health, and we have a responsibility to act on that knowledge. Recognizing hazardous air quality as a disaster will empower state and local governments to implement stronger protections for our communities, especially as climate change fuels more frequent wildfires and unhealthy air alerts. With federal emissions enforcement being rolled back, passing this bill is a vital step to safeguard public health,” said New York State Senator Pete Harckham.
“New Yorkers should not have to choose between their health and simply stepping outside their homes. As climate change continues to intensify wildfire smoke and hazardous air events, we must be prepared to protect our most vulnerable communities, especially children, seniors, outdoor workers, and those living with asthma and other respiratory conditions. The Hazardous Air Quality Emergency Preparedness Bill (A7036) ensures that our state has a clear, coordinated plan to respond to dangerous air quality emergencies and keep people safe. I’m proud to partner with the American Lung Association to advance this critical legislation and urge my colleagues to pass it without delay,” said New York State Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas.
“Hazardous air quality is an increasing threat, and New York must be prepared. This bill strengthens emergency response planning to protect seniors, veterans, children, and vulnerable residents when dangerous air conditions strike. I’m proud to co-sponsor this effort with the American Lung Association to keep our communities safe,” said New York State Senator Rob Rolison.
“As hazardous air quality emergencies become more common, we must adapt to keep New Yorkers safe. Dangerous air quality impacts our most vulnerable residents - older New Yorkers, people with health conditions, children, and people who already bear the brunt of pollution due to environmental racism. The ‘Hazardous Air Quality Emergency Preparedness Bill’ will modernize how we respond to these crises to ensure we have a coordinated approach that protects our residents. We should pass it this session,” said New York State Assemblymember Emily Gallagher.
“The growing frequency and severity of hazardous air quality events demand a coordinated, science-based response. By formally recognizing hazardous air quality as a state-defined emergency, this legislation ensures that New York is prepared to protect residents when air pollution reaches dangerous levels. We urge the Legislature and Governor Hochul to enact the ‘Hazardous Air Quality Emergency Preparedness Bill’ without delay,” said Carmi Orenstein, MPH, Program Director of Concerned Health Professionals of New York.
“Communities across the Hudson Valley have experienced firsthand the growing threat of persistent air pollution that puts vulnerable populations including those with lung and heart disease at serious risk. By integrating air quality planning into local emergency management, and providing them with the resources they need, this legislation will ensure faster coordination, clearer public health guidance, and stronger protections when our air becomes dangerous to breathe. We urge the Legislature and Governor Hochul to act swiftly because clean air is not a luxury; it is a basic necessity for the health and safety of every New Yorker,” said Lorraine Farina from Hudson Valley Air Quality Coalition (HVAQ).
The American Lung Association has contributed significantly through research aimed at improving lung disease treatment options (official website). It operates nationwide through local offices addressing lung diseases via community initiatives (official website), education programs (official website), advocacy efforts (official website), as well as fiscal transparency recognized by independent ratings agencies (official website). Harold Wimmer serves as president & CEO (official website).
Currently under review by legislative committees in both chambers of Albany’s legislature—the Assembly (A7036) led by Jessica González-Rojas among others—and Senate (S5729), supporters are calling for swift passage before session’s end.
