WASHINGTON, D.C.—Reps. Greg Stanton and Dina Titus of Nevada this week introduced the Extreme Weather and Heat Response Modernization Act to empower the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to better address extreme heat and to provide communities with more resources, including cooling centers, to keep people safe during extreme heat events.
Maricopa County recorded a tragic 645 heat-related deaths in 2023, a 50% year-over-year increase. This summer is on pace to be even warmer. Last month was the hottest June on record in Phoenix, and surface temperatures on Phoenix streets and sidewalks have reached a scalding 160°.
As heat-related illnesses and hospitalizations continue to increase, communities need more resources to protect individuals, including the ability to set up cooling centers to help vulnerable people maintain a safe body temperature.
“In Arizona, we know all too well that extreme heat can be deadly. Strengthening and expanding FEMA’s capacity to help state and local governments respond to more frequent and intense heat waves is a common-sense step that will save lives,” said Rep. Stanton.
“Extreme heat events kill more people annually than hurricanes and tornadoes combined, and emergency room visits for heat-related illnesses are on the rise,” said Rep. Titus. “While steps have been taken in recent years, more needs to be done to improve emergency responses to this deadly threat. My bill will provide FEMA with the flexibility to expand its suite of mitigation measures against extreme heat, including cooling centers. It will also require guidance so communities have the certainty they need to plan for the future.”
"As Phoenix continues to grapple with the adverse impacts of intensifying extreme heat, I am grateful for Representative Stanton’s introduction of the Extreme Weather and Heat Response Modernization Act,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. “This legislation represents a crucial step towards increasing support for vulnerable communities by advocating for critical measures like deploying portable air conditioners and advancing my previous call on FEMA to recognize heat as the emergency weather event that it is. These new, proactive steps are essential for building heat resilience, protecting our infrastructure, and saving lives.”
The legislation is supported by the National Association of Counties (NACo), National League of Cities, Natural Resources Defense Council, Desert Research Institute, and BuildStrong America.
A Section by Section of the bill is HERE. Full text of the bill is HERE.