Gallego Statement on New National Heat Strategy

Rep. Gallego has led the push in Congress to fund heat-related research and policy

PHOENIX- Today, the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) and the Interagency Working Group (IWG) released the first-ever National Heat Strategy for 2024-2030. Rep. Gallego released the following statement:

"For years, I have led the push to fund the National Integrated Heat Health Information System. I am proud to see those efforts pay off today with the announcement of the first-ever National Heat Strategy," said Rep. Gallego. "Today's announcement is an important step in the fight to combat extreme heat. Now, we must ensure that this strategy is followed up with action and real, tangible resources for heat-stricken communities like those in Arizona. That's what I'll keep pushing for."

In conjunction with the National Heat Strategy, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is dedicating $200,000 to support up to 10 communities in planning for extreme heat. Applications open today and run through Nov. 15, 2024. Full details and application guidelines will be available on challenge.gov.

Background on Rep. Gallego's Work on Extreme Heat:

Rep. Gallego has been at the forefront of legislative efforts to mitigate the dangers of extreme heat in Arizona, including leading the Appropriations funding request for NIHHIS each year

Rep. Gallego has introduced the Extreme Heat Emergency Act to add extreme heat to FEMA's list of major disaster qualifying events and the Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act to help keep communities cool through tree planting, shade structures, cool roof and pavement technology, and more.

You can read more in Rep. Gallego's report: COMBATING EXTREME HEAT.