Preventing Health Emergencies And Temperature-related Illness and Deaths Act of 2025; Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of 2025
Summary
The "Preventing Health Emergencies And Temperature-related Illness and Deaths Act of 2025," also known as the "Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of 2025," aims to reduce health risks associated with extreme heat. It establishes the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The bill also creates an interagency committee to improve preparedness, planning, and response to extreme heat events.
Furthermore, the act mandates a study on extreme heat information and response and establishes financial assistance programs to address the effects of heat. The bill prioritizes assistance to communities with environmental justice concerns and low-income communities.
Overall, the bill seeks to coordinate federal efforts, improve data collection, and provide resources to mitigate the health impacts of extreme heat, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Expected Effects
This bill will likely lead to improved coordination among federal agencies in addressing heat-related health risks. It will also increase the availability of data and resources for communities to prepare for and respond to extreme heat events.
Additionally, the financial assistance programs could lead to the implementation of projects that reduce heat-health risks, such as cool roofs and cooling centers. The study on extreme heat information and response will identify policy and research gaps, leading to more effective strategies for mitigating the impacts of extreme heat.
Potential Benefits
- Improved preparedness and response to extreme heat events, reducing heat-related illnesses and deaths.
- Prioritization of assistance to historically disadvantaged communities and communities with significant heat disparities.
- Enhanced data collection and sharing to inform heat-related activities and improve understanding of heat-health risks.
- Development of sustainable heat reduction and mitigation solutions, such as cool roofs and urban forestry.
- Support for research and training programs to address climate change risks for vulnerable individuals.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies in coordinating the interagency committee and implementing the strategic plan.
- The effectiveness of the financial assistance programs will depend on the efficient allocation of resources and the quality of the projects funded.
- The study on extreme heat information and response may take time to produce results, delaying the implementation of necessary policies and actions.
- There may be challenges in ensuring equitable distribution of financial assistance across different geographic locations.
- The bill's success relies on the sustained funding and commitment of resources from Congress and federal agencies.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the constitutional mandate to "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). It does so by addressing public health risks associated with extreme heat and providing resources to mitigate those risks.
Congress's power to regulate commerce (Article I, Section 8) could be interpreted to support federal action on climate-related health issues that have interstate impacts. The establishment of the NIHHIS and the interagency committee falls under Congress's authority to create agencies and committees necessary for executing its powers.
However, some may argue that certain aspects of the bill, particularly those related to urban planning and local community resilience, could be seen as intruding on areas traditionally regulated by state and local governments, raising federalism concerns (Tenth Amendment).
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).