Industry support for HB3713: Clean Air for Healthy Equitable Schools Act

SMART Local 265 is among many statewide organizations, health experts, physicians and advocacy groups endorsing the HB3713 Clean Air for Healthy Equitable Schools Act.

Experts affiliated with the Illinois Chapter of ASHRAE estimate that only 14% of classrooms in Illinois public schools meet their minimum ventilation code requirements. And it’s not just Illinois schools: most schools throughout the U.S. do not meet minimum ventilation standards. Exposure to polluted air in schools can negatively impact student attendance, comfort and performance.

“As leaders in the HVAC industry, SMART Local 265 fully supports the passage of this important legislation to ensure that our children are breathing clean air in their classrooms,” said John Daniel, President and Business Manager of Local 265. “We believe this bill is a critical step in protecting and promoting the health and well-being of our future generations, and we’re proud to be partners with SMACNA Greater Chicago in this effort.”

Introduced by Rep. Camille Lilly, HB3713 would provide ventilation verification assessments for all public schools, in addition to high-quality, quiet, portable HEPA air cleaners and air quality monitors for all classrooms, libraries, health offices, music/art rooms and cafeterias. Assessments must be performed by a TAB-certified technician.

This is an important topic not just in our industry, but across the nation. SMACNA Greater Chicago contractors and our trained HVAC professionals are the most knowledgeable in the industry on issues relating to humidity control, filtration, ventilation and more — and are best poised to help meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

As of the time of this writing, the bill passed in the House with 68 yeas and 35 nays, and is currently going through the Senate Amendment process.