State Rep. Calvin Callahan, R-Tomahawk, is joining lawmakers from Iowa, Minnesota and North Dakota in filing a formal complaint against Canada over the wildfire smoke that continues to drift across the U.S. border.
The joint letter, submitted to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin and the International Joint Commission, cites Canada’s inability to get its wildfires under control, resulting in a blanket of smoke across the Midwest.
The letter calls for an investigation into Canada’s wildfire management practices and for potential remedies under international law.
The IJC was established under the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 to prevent and resolve disputes affecting the shared waters and air quality along the border.
The legislators argue that Canada’s failure to contain massive wildfires has harmed the health and quality of life of more than 20 million Americans in the Midwest.
“From farming and forestry to fishing and construction, Wisconsin is a proud state built on being outdoors,” Callahan said. “However, our skies are being choked by wildfire smoke we didn’t start and can’t control. (On July 31), six of the 10 worst air quality readings in the entire country were right here in Wisconsin. That’s not only frustrating, but it’s a threat to our health and way of life. Our workers, families and kids can’t afford to breathe toxic air day after day.”
Lawmakers requested a response within 30 days from the IJC and EPA.
“Enough is enough,” Callahan said. “We owe it to our constituents, especially our kids, seniors and those with respiratory issues, to fight for clean air. If Canada can’t get these wildfires under control, they need to face real consequences. We won’t sit back while our air becomes a health hazard.”
Callahan is also calling on the federal government to push Canada to overhaul its forest-management practices, including asking to consider targeted diplomatic action against Canada until the Canadian government takes steps to improve its forest management practices and contain wildfire smoke crossing into the United States.
“This is a public health crisis, an economic burden and an affront to our way of life,” Callahan said.
Over the last two summers, Canadian wildfires have led to dangerous levels of smoke drifting into the United States, triggering air quality alerts in Wisconsin.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
