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Green New Deal for Health Act
12/12/2023, 5:56 AM
Summary of Bill S 1229
The Green New Deal for Health Act aims to create a comprehensive framework for addressing the health impacts of climate change, such as air pollution, extreme weather events, and the spread of infectious diseases. The bill includes provisions for investing in renewable energy sources, improving public transportation infrastructure, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
Additionally, the legislation seeks to address health disparities by prioritizing the needs of marginalized communities that are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards. This includes provisions for ensuring access to clean air and water, as well as promoting community resilience in the face of climate-related disasters. Overall, the Green New Deal for Health Act represents a holistic approach to addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change and public health. By prioritizing environmental sustainability and human well-being, this bill aims to create a healthier and more equitable future for all Americans.
Congressional Summary of S 1229
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.
