Heat Emergency Assistance for Transportation Act of 2025; HEAT Act of 2025
Summary
The Heat Emergency Assistance for Transportation Act of 2025 (HEAT Act) amends Title 23 of the United States Code to include extreme heat as a qualifying event for emergency relief funding for infrastructure repair and reconstruction. It mandates a study by the Transportation Research Board on the costs and tracking of damage from extreme heat events. Additionally, it requires the Secretary of Transportation to issue a best management practices report related to highway and bridge safety concerning extreme heat.
Expected Effects
The HEAT Act will likely increase the availability of federal funds for repairing infrastructure damaged by extreme heat. This could lead to quicker repairs and reduced disruptions to transportation networks during heat waves. The mandated study and best practices report should improve understanding and management of heat-related infrastructure damage.
Potential Benefits
- Increased federal funding for infrastructure repairs due to extreme heat.
- Improved tracking and management of heat-related damage through a mandated study.
- Enhanced safety and resilience of transportation infrastructure.
- Reduced disruptions to freight movement, supply chains, and daily commuting.
- Prioritization of vulnerable communities and regions with limited transportation redundancy.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential strain on federal budget due to increased emergency relief spending.
- Possible delays in implementation due to the time required for the study and report.
- Risk that the definition of 'extreme heat' may be subject to interpretation and potential disputes.
- Could incentivize reactive repairs rather than proactive measures to mitigate heat damage.
- The act does not address the root causes of climate change, which contribute to extreme heat events.
Constitutional Alignment
The HEAT Act appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the provisions related to the general welfare and interstate commerce. Congress has the power to regulate infrastructure and provide for the common good through spending and legislation. Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 (the Commerce Clause) gives Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, which is directly affected by the condition of transportation infrastructure. The Act's focus on emergency relief and infrastructure improvements falls within the scope of congressional authority.
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).