Scott Applauds House Passage of CO ALERTS Act

WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) released the following statement on the passage of the Carbon Monoxide Alarms Leading Every Resident to Safety Act (CO ALERTS Act) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The CO ALERTS Act ensures that more than 1.3 million highly vulnerable Americans in federally assisted housing are protected from this silent killer.

“After learning about the unfortunate incidents that happened in my home state of South Carolina, I made it my top priority to ensure the safety of all families moving forward,” said Senator Tim Scott. “This bill will save lives, and its House passage is an important step towards Senate consideration of the CO ALERTS Act.”

This bill will aim to curb the over 50,000 people visiting the emergency room every year due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. At the most risk are children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. 

The Senate version of the CO ALERTS Act makes sure families living in federally-assisted housing are safe from carbon monoxide poisoning by requiring:

• Carbon monoxide alarms in units that have potential carbon monoxide sources like gas-fired appliances, fireplaces, forced air furnaces, and attached garages;
• Carbon monoxide alarms in rural housing, managed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• HUD provide guidance to public housing agencies on how to educate tenants on health hazards in the home, including carbon monoxide poisoning and lead poisoning; and
• HUD, in consultation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, conduct a public study on requiring carbon monoxide alarms in housing not covered by the IFC.

To view the full bill, CLICK HERE.

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