FENCES Act
Current understanding
The FENCES Act is introduced legislation that would amend the Clean Air Act to shield states from sanctions, fees, and nonattainment designations when NAAQS shortfalls are attributable to emissions outside state or national control — including cross-border foreign emissions and exceptional events such as wildfires. Practical effect, if enacted, would reduce SIP, offset, and permitting burdens on downwind or wildfire-affected states, while critics could argue it narrows accountability for meeting health-based air-quality standards. Status: introduced.