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Green New Deal for Health Act
12/21/2024, 9:05 AM
Summary of Bill HR 2764
The Green New Deal for Health Act aims to create a more sustainable and healthy future for all Americans by investing in renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting clean air and water. The bill also seeks to address the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on low-income communities and communities of color.
Specific provisions of the bill include funding for renewable energy projects, incentives for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint, and support for communities affected by environmental pollution. The bill also calls for increased research on the health effects of climate change and the development of strategies to mitigate these effects. Overall, the Green New Deal for Health Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that seeks to address the urgent need for action on climate change while also promoting public health and environmental justice. It represents a significant step towards creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all Americans.
Congressional Summary of HR 2764
Green New Deal for Health Act
This bill establishes programs and requirements to mitigate the health effects of climate change and environmental effects of the health care sector, particularly on vulnerable populations.
The Department of Health and Human Services must, for example, lead a research initiative to mitigate the health effects of climate change and develop a plan for preparing the health care system to respond to those effects.
The bill establishes programs and requirements for medical facilities. It funds through FY2028 the Community Health Center Program (which supports outpatient facilities for medically underserved populations) and establishes grants for sustainability and resiliency planning for medical facilities. Further, the bill revives the Hill-Burton program (which historically supported construction and modernization of medical facilities) and makes climate resiliency a program focus. It also restricts certain hospitals from terminating essential services without engaging in planning and other efforts to preserve access.
The bill also provides support for workforce and community programs. This includes (1) grants for incorporating climate change into medical training and community-based mental wellness and resiliency programs; and (2) funding through FY2028 for the National Health Services Corps, which awards educational incentives to providers in underserved areas.
Additionally, the bill addresses efforts to reduce (1) the health sector's contributions to climate change, (2) climate-related risks to pharmaceutical manufacturing and medical supply chains, and (3) health impacts of extreme heat. It also expands Medicare coverage to include items and services (e.g., solar batteries) for individuals who are medically at-risk at home from climate or man-made disasters.
