Coordinated Federal Response to Extreme Heat Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 29, 2025
Bottom line
This bill creates a new federal framework and system to improve interagency coordination, data, research, and public information regarding extreme heat and its health impacts.
What it actually does
This bill establishes the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and creates a National Integrated Heat Health Information System Interagency Committee. Its purpose is to coordinate federal efforts, improve data sharing, enhance research, and develop actionable information and tools to reduce health risks from extreme heat across the United States. It also mandates a 5-year strategic plan for these efforts and authorizes appropriations.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that extreme heat is a growing public health crisis, and a coordinated federal response is essential to protect vulnerable populations, improve forecasting, and develop effective mitigation strategies. They contend that a unified system will prevent redundant efforts, optimize resource allocation, and provide actionable information to communities and individuals to save lives and reduce heat-related illnesses.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that establishing new committees and systems adds bureaucracy and could duplicate existing efforts within various agencies. They might contend that current agencies already possess the mandates and capabilities to address heat-related issues, and a new overarching system may not be the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars, preferring instead to bolster existing programs.
The bill is concise and straightforward, making it accessible for a quick read and evaluation.
Section 3
National Integrated Heat Health Information System Interagency Committee
This section establishes a new interagency committee within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Its primary role is to ensure a unified federal approach to reducing health risks associated with heat by coordinating efforts across numerous federal agencies, including those involved in weather, health, emergency management, and environmental protection.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that a dedicated interagency committee is crucial for breaking down silos between federal agencies, ensuring a comprehensive and efficient response to extreme heat. They believe this coordination will lead to more effective policies and better resource utilization.
Critics contend
Opponents might suggest that existing interagency mechanisms or informal collaborations could achieve similar coordination without the need for a new, formally established committee, potentially adding bureaucratic overhead.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between the potential for improved, centralized coordination versus the risk of creating another layer of bureaucracy that might slow down agile responses or duplicate existing efforts.
Section 3(e)
Development of a 5-Year Strategic Plan
The Interagency Committee is mandated to develop and submit a 5-year strategic plan to Congress within two years of the Act's enactment. This plan will outline goals for improving federal capacity to address heat risks, including strategies for better data collection and sharing, understanding user needs, fostering innovative solutions, and mechanisms for financing heat planning and preparedness across relevant agencies. The plan will be updated every five years.
Section 4
Establishment of National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS)
This section formally establishes the NIHHIS within NOAA. Its purpose is to directly reduce heat-related impacts by improving the delivery of heat-related data, forecasts, warnings, and predictions. It also tasks NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research with developing science-based solutions and tools for decision support and mandates support for a broader heat health research program.
Section 4(c) and Section 5
Open Data Policy and Funding Authorization
The bill mandates that all data and metadata associated with the NIHHIS must be fully and openly available, managed by the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), in accordance with federal data laws. It also authorizes an appropriation of $5,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2025 through 2029 to NOAA to fund the establishment and operation of both the Interagency Committee and the NIHHIS.