Lawmakers from 4 states file complaint over Canadian wildfire smoke

Saying accountability is needed to defend public health, Wisconsin state Rep. Calvin Callahan and state lawmakers from three other states have filed a formal complaint with the Environmental Protection Agency over ongoing Canadian wildfire smoke.

In addition to Callahan (R-Tomahawk), signing the letter to Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin were state Rep. Austin Harris of Iowa, state Sen. Clare Cory of North Dakota, and state Rep. Elliott Engen of Minnesota. All signers represent a border or near-border state that has endured repeated air quality advisories as a result of Canadian wildfires.

The letter was also sent to the commissioners of the International Joint Commission, a bi-national body established under the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 to prevent and resolve disputes affecting the shared waters and air quality along the border.

Callahan says the letter cites wildfire smoke that continues to drift across the U.S. border and what the lawmakers allege to be Canada’s ongoing failure to get the wildfires under control, repeatedly blanketing the Midwest in thick, hazardous smoke. Specifically, the lawmakers want an investigation into Canada’s wildfire management practices andare seeking potential remedies under international law.

The legislators argue that Canada’s failure to contain massive wildfires, especially in Manitoba, has harmed the health and quality of life of more than 20 million Americans in the Midwest.

“In recent years and notably in 2025, smoke from Canadian wildfires, particularly in Manitoba, has drifted south, triggering air quality alerts across Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and Wisconsin,” the letter states. “Over 20 million residents in the midwest have faced restrictions on outdoor activities due to dangerous air quality, with communities reporting burning throats, respiratory issues, and reduced visibility. These conditions have disrupted summer recreation, harmed vulnerable populations, and strained public health resources.”

For example, the lawmakers wrote,  in Willmar, Minnesota, residents have reported being unable to work or enjoy outdoor activities safely due to toxic air.

“We are concerned that insufficient forest management and wildfire mitigation strategies may constitute negligence, exacerbating the transboundary impact on our states,” they wrote. “The 2023 Canadian wildfire season, the worst on record, burned seven times the long-term average, and 2025 is projected to be among the most severe. Factors such as inadequate active forest management and delays in response to remote wildfires have been cited as contributors to the scale and intensity of these fires.”

Under the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909, the lawmakers asserted, the International Joint Commission has a mandate to address transboundary environmental issues, including pollution that causes injury to health or property across the border. 

“We urge the IJC to investigate whether Canada’s wildfire management practices meet the standards of due diligence required to prevent harm to U.S. residents,” they wrote.

More specifically, the lawmakers requested a comprehensive review of Canada’s wildfire prevention, response, and mitigation strategies, including forest management practices and resource allocation for remote boreal forest fires.

They are also seeking an assessment of whether Canada’s actions align with its obligations under international agreements to prevent transboundary harm, and they asked that the Environmental Protection Agency and Zeldin collaborate with the International Joint Commission to evaluate the public health and environmental impacts of Canadian wildfire smoke on U.S. states.

“Given the EPA’s recent actions to address wildfire risks through revised Exceptional Events policies and prescribed fire allowances, we believe the agency is well-positioned to lead on this issue,” they wrote. “We ask that the EPA conduct air quality assessments in Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin to quantify the health and economic toll of Canadian wildfire smoke.” 

The lawmakers also asked that the EPA engage with Canadian environmental agencies to advocate for stronger wildfire mitigation measures, and to explore regulatory or diplomatic mechanisms, such as those under the Clean Air Act, to address transboundary air pollution.

“We respectfully request a response within 30 days outlining the steps the IJC and EPA will take to address this matter,” they wrote. “Our constituents deserve clean air and the ability to enjoy their communities without the burden of preventable environmental harm. We stand ready to support collaborative efforts to resolve this issue and strengthen U.S.-Canada environmental cooperation.”

Callahan said mitigation and accountability were imperative because, from farming and forestry to fishing and construction, Wisconsin is a state built on being outdoors.

“However, our skies are being choked by wildfire smoke we didn’t start and can’t control,” he said. “Last Thursday, six of the ten 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.”

Workers, families, and kids can’t afford to breathe toxic air day after day, Callahan said, and he said it’s time for Canada to step up and take responsibility before more Wisconsinites suffer.

“Enough is enough,” he 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.”

Richard Moore is the author of “Dark State” and may be reached at richardd3d.substack.com.