Assembly Bill 661 Report to the Legislature on California Wildfire Smoke Emergency Response Programs
Wildfire smoke has become an increasingly major public health threat to California communities. Increasing wildfire events and smoke emergencies in California elevate the importance of work by State and local agencies and organizations, together with federal partners, to develop wildfire smoke emergency plans and coordinate responses to wildfire smoke emergencies. Pursuant to Assembly Bill 661 (McCarty, Chapter 392, Statutes of 2019), this report investigates current programs and best practices for wildfire smoke responses in the State, estimates smoke burdens, and includes recommendations for program areas that would benefit from additional State funding.