Senator introduces ‘Clean Air Refugee Assistance Act’

Matt Jordan August 30, 2018

Last Updated: August 30, 2018

MEDFORD, Ore. – The dangerous air quality is forcing some people to move until the skies clear.

Now there’s a proposed bill to help these so-called “clean air refugees.”

Senator Ron Wyden visited the Jackson County Health and Human Services building to promote the Clean Air Refugee Assistance Act.

The act would provide Federal Emergency Management Agency funds and lodging for people forced to relocate due to wildfire smoke.

“It is a temporary shelter program, it is not a housing program, it is designed to support folks until they can safely go back to their home,” said Senator Ron Wyden.

There are requirements, including air quality that is unhealthy or worse for three consecutive days.

So far this summer there have been 24 unhealthy air days in Medford.

Matt Jordan August 30, 2018

Matt Jordan

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Matt Jordan is the Chief Meteorologist for KOBI-TV NBC5. Matt joined the NBC5 weather team in 2014 after a year as a reporter and anchor in Alexandria, Louisiana. His experience with the severe weather of the Deep South and a love of the Pacific Northwest led him to pursue a certification with Mississippi State University as a Broadcast Meteorologist. You can find Matt working in the evenings of NBC5 News at 5, 6 and 11 as well as online. Matt also has a degree in Journalism from the University of Oregon. In addition to being passionate about news and weather, Matt is a BIG Oregon Ducks fan. When not rooting for the Ducks or tracking down the next storm over the Pacific, Matt can be found outdoors in the Oregon wilderness with his wife, his daughter and their dogs Stanley and Gordi.