WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a bill on March 13 to bolster research and risk management efforts aimed at protecting winegrape growers in California, Oregon, and Washington from wildfire smoke damage.The Smoke Exposure Research Act, backed by Sens. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), along with Reps. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) and Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), would authorize $32.5 million annually over five years, totaling more than $150 million. The funding would support research at UC Davis, Oregon State University, and Washington State University on the effects of wildfire smoke on grapevines and wine production.Smoke from wildfires can penetrate grape skins and cause “smoke taint,” an ashy taste that compromises wine quality. Calif
