This Senate resolution says that ground-level ozone, often called smog, can harm human health. It notes smog causes asthma attacks, lung disease, nervous system issues, heart problems, and reproductive issues. The resolution cites analysts who linked long-term smog exposure to 489,000 deaths worldwide and 14,000 deaths in the United States in 2021, and it cites estimates that smog reduces crop yields by 79,000,000 to 121,000,000 metric tons per year. The text also says methane emissions (the main part of natural gas) help form smog, that methane affects air quality across much of the United States, and that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set methane standards in 2024 projected to cut 58,000,000 tons of methane over 15 years. The resolution notes the 2024 methane standards are being reconsidered and states that the Senate recognizes the health harms of ozone and believes the EPA should act to reduce smog, including by supporting robust implementation of the 2024 methane standards.
The resolution states the Senate's recognition that smog hurts health and says the EPA should take action to reduce smog and support the 2024 methane standards. The resolution was introduced in the Senate on December 17, 2025, and was referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. It records the Senate's view and urges action but does not itself list specific new programs or requirements.
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Supporters cite scientific findings and data included in the resolution: smog causes respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous system, and reproductive harms; children are especially vulnerable; long-term smog exposure was linked to many deaths in 2021; smog reduces crop yields by large amounts; methane emissions contribute to smog and affect regions' ability to meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards; and the EPA's 2024 methane standards were projected to greatly reduce methane pollution over 15 years. Based on these points, the resolution urges robust implementation of the 2024 methane standards to reduce smog.
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