H.R.2996 - Climate Adaptation Plan Act of 2025; CAP Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2996, the Climate Adaptation Plan Act of 2025 (CAP Act), directs the EPA Administrator to establish a grant program. This program aims to help eligible entities develop climate adaptation plans. The bill prioritizes applications from entities that include environmental justice communities.
Expected Effects
The CAP Act will likely lead to increased funding for local governments, tribal entities, and other organizations to create climate adaptation plans. These plans will assess climate risks and outline strategies to address them. The focus on environmental justice communities suggests a targeted effort to mitigate climate change impacts on vulnerable populations.
Potential Benefits
- Provides resources for communities to plan for and adapt to climate change.
- Prioritizes assistance to environmental justice communities, addressing historical inequities.
- Encourages integration of climate adaptation plans with existing local and regional plans.
- Promotes stakeholder engagement in the development of climate adaptation plans.
- Supports risk assessments related to climate change.
Potential Disadvantages
- The bill does not specify the amount of funding for the grant program, making it difficult to assess its potential impact.
- The definition of "climate adaptation plan" includes greenhouse gas emission reduction, which may broaden the scope beyond adaptation.
- The effectiveness of the program depends on the EPA's implementation and guidance.
- The competitive nature of the grant program may leave some eligible entities without funding.
- Potential for bureaucratic delays in establishing and administering the grant program.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the Constitution, which allows Congress to provide for the general welfare of the United States. By addressing climate change and supporting adaptation efforts, the bill can be argued to promote the well-being of the population. The bill delegates authority to the EPA Administrator, which is a common practice and generally permissible under the Constitution.
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).