Green New Deal for Health Act

Hozzl · 2023-12-12T05:56:28Z

Explore the details of Senate Bill 1229 Green New Deal for Health Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Health. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/12/2023, 5:56 AM

Summary of Bill S 1229

Bill 118 s 1229, also known as the Green New Deal for Health Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to address the intersection of climate change and public health by promoting policies that prioritize both environmental sustainability and human well-being.

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.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill S 1229

Bill S 1229 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 20, 2023. Bill S 1229 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on April 20, 2023. Bill S 1229's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. as of April 20, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1229

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1229

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1229

Green New Deal for Health Act

A bill to establish a Green New Deal for Health to prepare and empower the health care sector to protect the health and well-being of our workers, our communities, and our planet in the face of the climate crisis, and for other purposes.