The U.S. Congress has called out Canadian officials for failing to prevent wildfires, which are causing air quality concerns in the northeast.
Four Republican lawmakers from Michigan wrote a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, stating that the federal and provincial governments have not addressed the root causes of worsening wildfires.
The lawmakers claimed that their constituents are suffering from the effects of smoke from Canada, and that the situation has been ongoing for three consecutive years.
They expressed frustration that their concerns have been repeatedly ignored and that Canadian officials have offered excuses instead of implementing solutions.
The letter accused provincial leaders of dismissing the health concerns of American citizens as an inconvenience, stating that "American lungs are paying the price for Canadian inaction."
The lawmakers said they are willing to work with Canada in good faith, but emphasized that they will take matters into their own hands if necessary to protect their constituents.
Canadian wildfire smoke has been drifting south into states near the border, causing unhealthy to hazardous air quality conditions in parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and New York.
The Prime Minister was asked to comment on the letter during a news conference in London, Ontario, and responded by highlighting Canada's investment in clean energy and criticizing the U.S. for reducing climate change efforts.
Carney stated that climate change is a collective responsibility, but did not directly address the concerns raised by the U.S. lawmakers.
The situation remains a pressing concern for residents in the affected areas, who continue to breathe in unhealthy air quality.
