Bipartisan Bill Targets Federal Building Air Quality and Ventilation

Legislation Introduced

Bipartisan legislation recently introduced in the House targets air quality and ventilation problems in federal buildings. The Federal Facilities Indoor Air Quality Assessment Act (H.R. 9886) directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct a comprehensive review of indoor air quality, ventilation and heating, ventilation and air conditioning system performance across federal buildings.

The review must be shared with Congress within 12 months and examine whether federal buildings meet applicable HVAC, air quality and ventilation standards. It will also assess how agencies monitor, test and document indoor air quality, the frequency and causes of deficiencies, whether agencies identify and correct indoor air hazards, and the qualifications of workers performing HVAC installation, maintenance and remediation.

Wildfire Smoke Context

Smoke from Canadian and U.S. wildfires reached the Washington region this past summer. In July the air quality status reached code purple, considered very unhealthy, according to AirNow.gov. According to Safety+Health Magazine, the event prompted the bill’s introduction.

Sponsor and Union Support

Rep. James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA) sponsored the measure. The bill has support from the American Federation of Government Employees, International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association, and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. According to Safety+Health Magazine, Walkinshaw stated that the General Services Administration’s watchdog has identified persistent ventilation problems in federal buildings.

Review Requirements

The legislation requires agencies to develop concrete plans to address deficiencies identified in the GAO review. The bill focuses on uncovering ventilation issues and requiring fixes.