Bill 118 HR 3965, also known as the Extreme Heat Emergency Act of 2023, aims to address the growing threat of extreme heat events in the United States. The bill recognizes that extreme heat is a serious public health risk that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly, low-income communities, and people of color.
The key provisions of the bill include:
1. Establishing a national heat response plan: The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a comprehensive national heat response plan to coordinate federal, state, and local efforts to protect public health during extreme heat events.
2. Enhancing heat monitoring and forecasting: The bill provides funding for the expansion of heat monitoring and forecasting systems to improve early warning and response capabilities.
3. Improving heat resilience in communities: The bill authorizes grants to support the development of heat-resilient infrastructure, such as cool roofs, green spaces, and heat-smart building designs, in at-risk communities.
4. Protecting vulnerable populations: The bill includes provisions to ensure that vulnerable populations, such as low-income households and outdoor workers, have access to cooling centers, hydration stations, and other resources during extreme heat events.
5. Promoting research and education: The bill allocates funding for research on the health impacts of extreme heat and public education campaigns to raise awareness about heat-related risks and protective measures.
Overall, the Extreme Heat Emergency Act of 2023 seeks to improve the nation's preparedness and response to extreme heat events, with a focus on protecting the health and safety of all Americans, especially those most at risk.