Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act of 2025
Summary
The Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act of 2025 aims to establish an Office of Climate Change and Health Equity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This office will develop and implement a national strategic action plan to prepare the healthcare sector for the health impacts of climate change. The Act also calls for the creation of a science advisory board and periodic reports to assess the plan's effectiveness.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to increased federal coordination and investment in addressing the health consequences of climate change. It will also likely result in new regulations and policies aimed at reducing the healthcare sector's greenhouse gas emissions. The establishment of the Office and the strategic action plan could improve public health preparedness and response to climate-related health threats.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced preparedness for climate-related health emergencies.
- Improved understanding of the health impacts of climate change, especially on vulnerable populations.
- Development of strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the healthcare sector.
- Increased collaboration among federal agencies, state and local governments, and other stakeholders.
- Promotion of workforce development in public health and healthcare to address climate change.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased government spending and bureaucracy.
- Possible regulatory burdens on the healthcare sector.
- Risk of the strategic action plan not being effectively implemented.
- Uncertainty regarding the long-term effectiveness of the measures proposed.
- Possible conflicts between federal and state policies.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by promoting public health and well-being in the face of climate change. It also aligns with Congress's power to regulate commerce (Article I, Section 8) by addressing the economic impacts of climate change on the healthcare sector. The establishment of advisory boards and reporting requirements falls under Congress's implied powers to oversee the executive branch.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).