First Responders’ Equipment Access Act

Key Points

• This bill would change EPA rules to make it easier for police, fire, and rescue teams to get specialized engines and equipment. Currently, some high-performance engines used in emergency vehicles face strict environmental rules that can make them difficult to buy or build.
• Under the new plan, companies that make these engines could ask for a national security exemption. This would apply to equipment used for things like disaster relief, firefighting, and medical emergencies at the local, state, or federal level.
• The Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Defense would be able to officially back these requests. This adds a layer of support to show that the equipment is truly needed for public safety or national security.
• The bill also removes a rule that requires manufacturers to say exactly how many engines they plan to make under the exemption. This gives companies more flexibility to meet the changing needs of emergency departments without filing extra paperwork.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.