Reducing Exposure to Burn Pits Act

Reducing Exposure to Burn Pits Act

This bill requires the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment within the Department of Defense to submit a report to Congress on incinerators and waste-to-energy waste disposal alternatives to burn pits (areas used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment). The report must be submitted not later than 60 days after the President submits the budget for FY2024.

Bill 118 s 2083, also known as the Reducing Exposure to Burn Pits Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of addressing the health risks associated with burn pits. Burn pits are open-air areas used by the military to dispose of waste, including hazardous materials, by burning them.

The bill seeks to establish a registry for service members and veterans who may have been exposed to burn pits during their time in the military. This registry would help track and monitor the health effects of burn pit exposure, as well as provide information and resources to those who may be experiencing health issues related to their exposure.

Additionally, the bill would require the Department of Defense to take steps to reduce the use of burn pits in combat zones and to provide alternative methods of waste disposal that are safer for service members and the environment. It also calls for increased research into the health effects of burn pit exposure and for the development of treatment options for those affected. Overall, the Reducing Exposure to Burn Pits Act aims to address the serious health risks faced by service members and veterans who have been exposed to burn pits during their military service, and to ensure that they receive the support and resources they need to address any health issues that may arise as a result of their exposure.