What is the Heat Management Grant Assistance Act of 2024? Understanding Stanton and Chavez-DeRemer's Bill

The Act prioritizes funding for disadvantaged and historically marginalized communities.

PUBLISHED AUG 3, 2024

If passed, the bill would require FEMA to collaborate with NOAA and the CDC.

Phoenix, Arizona: Reps Greg Stanton of Arizona and Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon introduced a bipartisan bill last month that would ensure federal assistance for communities impacted by extreme heat events.

The Heat Management Grant Assistance Act of 2024 would create a grant program to help communities receive the funding required for response and recovery.

The Act allocates significant financial resources to support community-led heat resilience projects.

If passed, the bill would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to collaborate with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to clearly define an extreme heat event.

Local jurisdictions that reach the threshold would be able to apply for newly-established Heat Management Assistance Grants (HMAGs). Arizona received a similar Fire Management Assistance Grant to help fight the Watch Fire on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in July.

Here are some key components of the Act

Funding Allocation: The Act allocates significant financial resources to support community-led heat resilience projects. For instance, $4.55 million has been invested in establishing two virtual centers of excellence dedicated to heat resilience research and community support. These centers will assist in heat monitoring, data collection, and the development of local heat mitigation strategies.

Targeted Support: The Act prioritizes funding for disadvantaged and historically marginalized communities, aligning with the Justice40 Initiative. This ensures that 40% of the benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy projects flow to communities that have been underinvested and overburdened by pollution.

Community Engagement: The program emphasizes the importance of community involvement in planning and implementing heat resilience projects. By partnering with local organizations and stakeholders, the initiative aims to develop tailored solutions that effectively address the specific needs and challenges of different communities.

Comprehensive Approach: The Heat Management Grant Assistance Act supports a wide range of activities, from improving energy efficiency in housing to enhancing public health and safety through better heat management practices. This comprehensive approach is designed to mitigate the adverse effects of extreme heat on both the environment and public health.