Support Builds for Bipartisan Gallego Bill to Add Extreme Heat to FEMA Disaster List
|
PHOENIX, AZ – As temperatures in Arizona top 110 degrees for nearly a straight month, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) today announced a growing coalition in support of his bipartisan Extreme Heat Emergency Act that includes the National League of Cities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the National Association of Counties. The legislation would add extreme heat to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) list of major disaster qualifying events.
“Local elected leaders are on the frontlines of responding to extreme heat, but they can’t do it alone,” said Rep. Gallego. “I am honored to have the support of these groups for my Extreme Heat Emergency Act. I will keep pushing to get this bill through Congress, but with so many Arizonans dying or falling ill we can’t waste any time. That’s why we need FEMA to act now and declare a major disaster for heat.”
The announcement comes the day after the Biden Administration released new actions to address extreme heat and as Phoenix shatters the record for consecutive days over 110+ degrees.
These record temperatures have a dangerous impact on everyday Arizonans as well as our local and state governments. Recent reporting from the Arizona Burn Center at Valleywise Health revealed that all the beds at the burn centers are full, and nearly one-third of patients are Arizonans who burned themselves from the ground.
Additionally, with so many deaths from the extreme heat, the Maricopa County Medical Examiner is at 106% capacity. The facility has brought in 10 coolers to handle the increase in the number of deaths. The City of Phoenix has also deployed a city bus to act as a cooling center because other heat centers are over capacity.
Supporting Organizations:
“Extreme heat events have emerged as a pressing threat to our cities and towns, with devastating consequences on public health, local infrastructure, and vulnerable populations,” said Clarence Anthony, CEO and Executive Director, National League of Cities. “By including extreme heat events in the definition of a major disaster, this act will grant the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authority to provide crucial resources and support to local governments in times of crisis. This, in turn, will enhance their capacity to safeguard residents more effectively during heatwaves and promote a safer and more resilient environment.”
“Extreme heat is responsible for more deaths each year than most other natural hazards combined, yet, it is not included under FEMA’s disaster declaration mechanism as an eligible event that could qualify for a major disaster declaration,” said Tom Cochran, CEO & Executive Director, The U.S. Conference of Mayors. “The United States Conference of Mayors formally adopted policy this year urging Congress to support adding extreme heat under FEMA’s disaster declaration mechanism to aid local governments’ efforts in both preparing for and responding to extreme heat events. Of critical importance, enabling extreme heat events as eligible for disaster declarations would widen the amount of crucial federal resources available to cities as they continue to work towards saving lives, protecting infrastructure, and adapting to the impacts of a rapidly warming climate.”
“When disasters strike, county officials and emergency responders play a critical role in both the immediate response and longer-term efforts to help our communities and residents recover,” said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. “Adding extreme heat to the list of natural disasters that qualify for major disaster declarations under FEMA would help counties and our residents receive much-needed aid. We thank Representatives Gallego, Amodei and Garcia for introducing this bipartisan legislation and urge its passage.”
The Extreme Heat Emergency Act is part of Gallego’s extensive effort to keep Arizonans safe and cool during heat waves.
Earlier this week, he sent a letter to Acting U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Julie Su and Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Douglas L. Parker to establish an enforceable federal standard to ensure workers and employers can recognize and respond to the signs of heat stress.
Gallego recently called on House leadership to pass emergency funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to lower AC costs for Arizonans.
In addition, he has introduced the Excess Urban Heat Mitigation and SHADE Acts to help keep communities cool through tree planting, shade structures, cool roof and pavement technology, and more. |