Biden and Democrats tackle US heat crisis.
President Biden to Address Extreme Heat and Climate Change
As millions of people across the country grapple with scorching heat waves, President Joe Biden is taking action to address the soaring temperatures and the urgent issue of climate change.
On Thursday, President Biden is set to unveil a comprehensive plan to tackle extreme heat conditions. This includes increased investments in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to enhance weather forecasting capabilities. Additionally, grants will be provided through the Department of Interior to ensure a sufficient supply of clean drinking water.
During a briefing on Wednesday, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre revealed that the mayors of Phoenix, Arizona, and San Antonio, Texas, will join President Biden to discuss the impacts of the climate crisis on their communities. They will also highlight the collaborative efforts being undertaken with the administration to protect these communities.
Efforts to Combat Soaring Temperatures
Earlier this week, Jean-Pierre outlined the administration’s ongoing efforts to respond to the extreme heat affecting various parts of the country. These efforts include the establishment of cooling stations and the assistance provided by FEMA to areas grappling with extreme weather conditions.
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are also actively seeking solutions. A group of Democrats in both the House and Senate are urging the Biden administration to implement new worker restrictions to address the challenges posed by extreme heat. They are calling for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to develop a plan for workplaces to adapt their operations in record-breaking temperatures.
In a letter led by Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) and supported by 112 other Democratic members, lawmakers highlighted the tragic heat-related deaths of workers in Texas. The letter emphasized the need for urgent action to prevent further loss of life and called for regulations ensuring workers have access to acclimatization plans, adequate water breaks, medical services, and rest.
Heat Wave Impact and Legislative Initiatives
Currently, more than a third of the United States is on alert due to a deadly heat wave that has persisted for weeks. Heat alerts from the National Weather Service are in effect for 120 million people across 27 states. Cities like Des Moines, Iowa, Minneapolis, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, are experiencing temperatures near or above 100 degrees.
Reps. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), and Mark Amodei (R-NV) recently introduced the bipartisan Extreme Heat Emergency Act. This legislation aims to include high temperatures on FEMA’s list of major disasters, enabling the agency to provide federal aid to combat the problem. The bill designates $30 million per year through 2030 for a grant program, with a focus on allocating at least 75% of the funds to low-income communities.
Gallego also introduced the Excess Urban Heat Migration Act of 2023, which would allocate funds to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for grant programs aimed at cooling down urban areas. Additionally, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) reintroduced the Stay Cool Act, which includes provisions for heat studies, funding for cooling centers, and other cooling systems.
These legislative initiatives seek to address the pressing issue of extreme heat and its impact on communities. They aim to provide relief and support to those affected by the rising temperatures and ensure access to essential resources such as air conditioning and cooling centers.
It is clear that urgent action is needed to combat the increasing frequency and danger of heat waves caused by climate change. President Biden’s plan, along with the efforts of lawmakers, aims to protect communities, mitigate the worst effects of extreme heat, and prevent further loss of life.
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