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H.R. 1049House118th Congress (2023-2025)In Committee

Protecting Airport Communities from Particle Emissions Act

Sponsored by Adam SmithRep. Adam Smith (D-WA)
Introduced February 14, 2023

AI-Generated Summary

Updated January 20, 2026 at 3:38 AM UTC

The bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration, together with the Environmental Protection Agency, to commission a study on ultrafine particle (UFP) emissions from major U.S. airports and their health impacts. The study focuses on nine large hub airports and aims to identify emission sources, health risks, and possible mitigation measures, with results reported to Congress. It primarily affects airport‑surrounding communities, federal agencies, and any university chosen to conduct the research.

Key Provisions

  • Within 180 days of enactment, the FAA and EPA must partner with an eligible higher‑education institution to conduct the UFP study.
  • The study must review global literature, focus on nine specified hub airports, and examine particle characteristics, distribution, sources, health effects, and vulnerable populations.
  • It must identify mitigation options, such as sustainable aviation fuels, and highlight gaps in knowledge about exposure and health outcomes.
  • The selected institution must submit study results within two years, and the FAA must deliver a report to the relevant House and Senate committees within 180 days after receiving those results.

Legislative Activity

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2 earlier actions
HouseCommittee Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials.

Environment Subcommittee

February 24, 2023

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

February 14, 2023

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

February 14, 2023

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials.

Environment Subcommittee

February 24, 2023

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued February 14, 2023

I

118th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 1049

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 14, 2023

Mr. Smith of Washington introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL

To direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct a study relating to ultrafine particles, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Protecting Airport Communities from Particle Emissions Act.

2.

Airborne ultrafine particle study

(a)

In general

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, jointly with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall enter into an agreement with an eligible institution of higher education to conduct a study examining airborne ultrafine particles and their effect on human health.

(b)

Scope of study

The study conducted under subsection (a) shall—

(1)

summarize the relevant literature and studies done on airborne ultrafine particles worldwide;

(2)

focus on large hub commercial airports in—

(A)

Seattle;

(B)

Boston;

(C)

Chicago;

(D)

New York;

(E)

the Northern California Metroplex;

(F)

Phoenix;

(G)

the Southern California Metroplex;

(H)

the District of Columbia; and

(I)

Atlanta;

(3)

examine airborne ultrafine particles and their effect on human health, including—

(A)

characteristics of UFPs present in the air;

(B)

spatial and temporal distributions of UFP concentrations;

(C)

primary sources of UFPs;

(D)

the contribution of aircraft and airport operations to the distribution of UFP concentrations when compared to other sources;

(E)

potential health effects associated with elevated UFP exposures, including outcomes related to cardiovascular disease, respiratory infection and disease, degradation of neurocognitive functions, and other health effects, that have been considered in previous studies; and

(F)

potential UFP exposures, especially to susceptible and vulnerable groups;

(4)

identify measures, including the use of sustainable aviation fuels, intended to reduce emissions from aircraft and airport operations and assess potential effects on emissions related to UFPs; and

(5)

identify information gaps related to understanding relationships between UFP exposures and health effects, contributions of aviation-related emissions to UFP exposures, and the effectiveness of mitigation measures.

(c)

Eligibility

An institution of higher education is eligible to conduct the study if the institution—

(1)

is located in one of the areas identified in subsection (b);

(2)

applies to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration in a timely fashion;

(3)

demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Administrator that the institution is qualified to conduct the study;

(4)

agrees to submit to the Administrator, not later than 2 years after entering into an agreement under subsection (a), the results of the study, including any source materials used; and

(5)

meets such other requirements as the Administrator determines necessary.

(d)

Coordination

The Administrator may coordinate with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and any other agency head whom the Administrator deems appropriate to provide data and other assistance necessary for the study.

(e)

Report

Not later than 180 days after submission of the results of the study by the institution of higher education, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the study including the results of the study submitted under subsection (c)(4) by the institution of higher education.

(f)

Definition

In this Act, the terms ultrafine particle and UFP mean particles with diameters less than or equal to 100 nanometers.