S.1166 - Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2025 (S.1166) aims to address the increasing threat of extreme heat in urban areas, particularly in underserved communities. The bill directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a grant program to fund projects that mitigate and manage urban heat. The program prioritizes projects in low-income census tracts and communities with low tree canopy and high summer temperatures.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would lead to increased investment in urban greening, cooling infrastructure, and community outreach programs in areas most vulnerable to extreme heat. This would likely result in reduced heat-related illnesses and deaths, lower energy consumption, and improved air and water quality in targeted communities. The bill also establishes an oversight board to ensure the effectiveness of funded projects.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced heat-related illnesses and mortality, especially among vulnerable populations.
- Improved air and water quality due to reduced energy consumption and increased vegetation.
- Creation of green jobs in urban forestry, construction, and maintenance.
- Enhanced community resilience to climate change impacts.
- Increased property values and improved quality of life in targeted neighborhoods.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for bureaucratic delays in establishing and administering the grant program.
- Risk of funds being mismanaged or directed to projects with limited impact.
- Possible displacement of residents due to increased property values in revitalized areas (gentrification).
- The limited funding may not be sufficient to address the scale of the problem in all affected urban areas.
- Potential for political influence in the grant selection process.
Constitutional Alignment
The Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It promotes the well-being of citizens by addressing a public health and environmental threat. The Act's focus on underserved communities also aligns with the principle of equal protection under the law, as it seeks to address disproportionate impacts of climate change. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).