PHOENIX—Representatives Greg Stanton (AZ-04) and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05) introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure communities impacted by extreme heat receive timely federal assistance. H.R. 9092, the Heat Management Grant Assistance Act, would amend the Stafford Act to provide federal assistance for extreme heat events, and create a special federal grant program for local communities to access needed resources for heat response and recovery.
“Extreme heat is responsible for more deaths each year than most other natural hazards combined, and local governments are on the frontlines responding to this crisis,” Stanton said. “Our bipartisan legislation takes the common-sense and overdue step of unlocking federal disaster dollars to help cities, towns and tribal communities respond to extreme heat events.”
“As we face hotter summers and more frequent extreme heat events, our communities need to be able to rely on prompt federal assistance to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “I’m proud to join Congressman Stanton to introduce this bipartisan bill to protect public health 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°.
The bipartisan Heat Management Grant Assistance Act would direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue a comprehensive heat event definition. If a locality reaches the “extreme heat event” threshold, it can request funding through the Heat Management Assistance Grant Program (HMAG) and receive timely federal assistance.
The legislation has been endorsed and earned praise from the City of Phoenix, the National League of Cities, and the National Recreation and Park Association.
"This year, the City of Phoenix took a major step forward in our efforts to prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths by opening overnight heat respite centers, investing in wide-reaching communication campaigns, expanding our outreach efforts, and more. We appreciate the work of Representatives Stanton and Chavez-DeRemer to introduce new legislation that will help Phoenix and many other communities in the country save even more lives from intensifying extreme heat. We look forward to further strengthening our collaboration with FEMA, CDC, and NOAA, and encourage Congress to pass the Heat Management Grant Assistance Act of 2024,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.
"The National League of Cities applauds Representatives Greg Stanton (D-AZ) and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR) for their bipartisan leadership in sponsoring the Heat Management Grant Assistance (HMAG) Act of 2024. This vital legislation addresses the urgent need for resources in cities, towns and villages facing the increasing threat of extreme heat disasters. Local leaders welcome the support to ensure they can quickly access the necessary support to protect lives and maintain public safety. With extreme heat events becoming more frequent and severe, the HMAG Act is a crucial step in empowering local governments to effectively manage and mitigate these challenges," said Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director, National League of Cities.
Full bill text is available HERE. A one-page summary is available HERE.