Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act Aims to Protect Families from Deadly Heat

Strategic Insights -

The Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act, introduced by Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), aims to address the growing issue of excessive heat in urban areas, particularly in low-income and minority communities. The bill creates a grant program through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide funding for heat mitigation efforts, including tree planting and maintenance, cool roofs, and local education programs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act aims to provide funding for heat mitigation efforts in urban areas, with a focus on low-income and minority communities.
  • Excess heat is caused by factors such as lower tree coverage, high building density, and heat-absorbing surfaces like sidewalks and roadways.
  • Heat stress is a leading weather-related cause of death in the United States, with more than 600 people killed every year.
  • The bill allows entities such as local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and nonprofits to apply for funding to implement heat mitigation efforts.
  • The legislation is endorsed by several organizations, including the American Society of Landscape Architects and the National Wildlife Federation.
  • The Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act will deliver financial support to communities struggling to afford tree plantings and maintenance.
  • Nature-based solutions, such as shade trees and green roofs, are proven methods to lower temperatures.
  • Extreme heat events are increasing, and urban areas need relief, according to the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Statistics:

  • More than 600 people die every year in the United States due to extreme heat.
  • Heat islands are particularly problematic in urban areas, where the effects of rising temperatures are compounded by a lack of shade and heat-absorbing concrete.
  • Urban areas with higher tree canopy coverage tend to have lower ambient air temperatures.
  • Green roofs and carbon-absorbing surfaces can reduce ambient air temperatures and improve air quality.
  • The Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act aims to provide funding for a range of heat mitigation efforts, including tree planting and maintenance, cool roofs, and local education programs.

Sources:

  • [Al Bawaba (Albawaba.com) 2022]
  • [SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info) 2022]
  • [Holden Forests and Gardens]
  • [American Society of Landscape Architects]
  • [Ohio Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects]
  • [Cleveland Tree Coalition]
  • [American Forests]
  • [Davey Tree Expert Company]
  • [National Wildlife Federation]