country,” Wyden said. “These bills would take critical action to protect vulnerable Oregonians in our communities from the severe risks of wildfires, including smoke-related health risks. I am all in to make sure Oregonians have the resources they need to survive and recover from these catastrophic fires that threaten the lives, quality of life, and livelihoods of Oregonians.” The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires has become a serious public health issue across the United States. Wildfire smoke— not only from Oregon’s fires,
The effect of wildfire smoke shows clearly in this side-by-side view overlooking Medford.
significant amounts of smoke can drift from afar. At various points in recent years, both Portland and Medford’s air quality was ranked among the most hazardous in the world. Much like in the cases of tornados or floods, federal assistance is necessary to help communities protect their continued on page 20
but also drifting into the state from as far away as Canada or southern California—has become a hazard each summer. Smoke can stretch from one end of the state to the other, posing a major challenge for many communities, businesses and agriculture operations. Even without fires nearby,
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August 2021 | The Business Review
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