Midwest Lawmakers File EPA Complaint Over Canadian Wildfire Smoke Impacting 20 Million

Republican lawmakers from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and North Dakota have filed a formal complaint with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the International Joint Commission over the persistent wildfire smoke emanating from Canada, particularly Manitoba. They assert that Canada's failure to effectively manage its wildfires is causing harmful air quality conditions that affect more than 20 million Americans in the Midwest, demanding an investigation and potential remedies under international law within 30 days. Wisconsin State Rep. Calvin Callahan emphasized the health risks posed by the smoke, highlighting the state's repeated poor air quality readings and calling for Canada to take responsibility. The complaint has drawn criticism from Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, who accused the lawmakers of politicizing the issue and noted the cooperative firefighting efforts between the U.S. and Canada. Additional Republican lawmakers at both state and federal levels, including Michigan Rep. John James, have echoed concerns about the lack of adequate Canadian wildfire management and the escalating smoke problem. Some U.S. officials have suggested stronger measures, such as tariffs, if Canada does not take effective action to control the fires.