Proposed Federal Legislation Targets Urban Heat Crisis with $100 Million in Community Solutions
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Introduction
As record-breaking heatwaves become the norm in the US, two recently proposed bills aim to protect communities from the health risks posed by extreme heat. Introduced by Senators Markey, Padilla, and Sinema, and Representatives Bonamici, Strickland, and Gallego, the Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act and the companion Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2025 propose a national response backed by $100 million in funding. These bills mark a significant step toward climate resilience, particularly for marginalized and underserved communities.
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities successfully lobbied the Federation of American Scientists who developed the legislation, to have green roofs added under eligible urban heat mitigation solutions, alongside other options such as: tree planting, cool pavements, shade structures, and cooling centers. This means that if the bill is adopted, green roofs will be eligible for federal funding under this program.
The Urban Heat Crisis
Since 1999, over 21,000 people have died from the excessive heat in the United States. In 2023, there were 2,325 heat related deaths in just the United States. Unfortunately, many of these communities that are disproportionately affected by the heat are people of color, and those of lower socio-economic backgrounds. This is due to disinvestment, limited green space, and inadequate access to cooling infrastructure.
The urban heat island effect causes urban cities to feel much hotter than surrounding areas.
Urban environments are particularly vulnerable due to the “urban heat island” effect, where dense development, and impervious surfaces like asphalt not only trap, but amplify the heat. In some cases, neighborhoods within the same city can experience temperature differences of between 15 - 20°F.
A Blueprint for Action
The Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act would establish the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) Interagency Committee to coordinate federal efforts and commission a study from the National Academies on federal action. Moreover, it allows for $100 million in financial assistance programs for local projects that will directly reduce health risks from the extreme heat, with priority being given to historically disadvantaged communities.
The companion bill Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2025 builds on this vision with a specific grant program to support solutions such as:
Tree planting and maintenance
Cool and green roofs
Cool pavements
Community gardens and shade structures
Cooling centers powered by renewable energy
Urban forestry master plans and canopy assessments
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Green Roofs Can Be Eligible for Funding
Green roofs not only reduce surface and indoor temperatures but also offer co-benefits such as stormwater retention, air quality improvement, biodiversity support, and even improved mental health!
Conclusion
If passed, this legislation will empower cities, nonprofits, and community organizations to implement local solutions to their unique heat challenges. Technical assistance and up to 100 per cent grant coverage for eligible projects in disadvantaged communities will help ensure equitable access to funding and resources.
This legislation has already received strong support from public health and environmental groups including the Natural Resources Defense Council, American Public Health Association, Climate Psychiatry Alliance, and the Adrienne Arsht Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center.
As climate change accelerates, this legislation offers a much-needed, evidence based response, one that recognizes the intersection of public health, environmental justice, and urban design. With green roofs now on the table as a funded strategy, cities have another powerful tool to help cool communities, save lives, and build resilience!
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Rushil Malik is the Communications Manager for GRHC and is actively learning about the green roof industry. Connect with her at rmalik@greenroofs.org
More information
Here are links to Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act and the companion Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2025
Read more about the urban heat island effect in this companion piece by Michael Krause: https://livingarchitecturemonitor.com/articles/addressing-urban-heat-islands-benefits-everyone-su25
Listen to Grace Wickerson’s new podcast on addressing the urban heat island effect: https://livingarchitecturemonitor.com/articles/addressing-urban-heat-islands-with-grace-wickerson-su25
Listen to Brad Bass’ podcast on cooling the Urban Heat island: https://livingarchitecturemonitor.com/sustainable-futures-podcast/episode-1-cooling-the-urban-heat-island
