The City of Tempe is receiving commendations for its strides in mitigating the punishing effects of extreme heat through urban cooling initiatives funded by recent climate legislation. According to a recent announcement by Elected Officials to Protect America (EOPA), Tempe's commitment to sustainability and climate resiliency, backed by financial support from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), is transforming the city into a leader in environmental protection.
With record heatwaves hitting the region, Tempe’s efforts to cool down have included expanding tree canopies and implementing weatherization programs to reduce energy costs. "Shade is a vital component for the infrastructure of cities exposed to extreme heat like Tempe. I’m honored and humbled to have had the opportunity to congratulate Mayor Corey Woods and local leadership for their climate actions," Christian Brock, CEO of EOPA and Air Force veteran, told EOPA. The introduced measures are not only making a stand against the heat but are also expected to quickly lower monthly utility costs while improving living conditions in the region.
The city's approach also confronts the housing affordability crisis by weatherizing mobile homes, a crucial step in helping residents save money on utilities and live in safer conditions. In a statement obtained by EOPA, Mayor Corey Woods outlined the multi-pronged strategy intended to provide relief from extreme temperatures. "We are doing everything we can to protect our vulnerable residents from extreme heat. Federal funding is critically helping our efforts," Woods said.
Furthermore, Tempe is embarking on revamping its infrastructure with a $12.5 million Department of Transportation grant, which aims to imbue nearly 4 miles of road with urban-friendly features for pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles alike. As reported by EOPA, these advancements are designed to create a more sustainable and liveable urban landscape. "We are redesigning and retrofitting our workplaces and homes to be powered by renewable energy to lower our carbon emissions and utility bills, while improving our quality of life," Councilmember Jennifer Adams stated.
Tempe's initiatives are seen as particularly urgent given the new high for indoor heat-related deaths in Maricopa County last year. Advocates like Kendra Flory, the co-founder of the Broadmor Bike Bus, emphasize the necessity of projects that promote both safety and urban cooling. Flory shared with EOPA, "For those who want to bike, walk or use mobility devices to get around, lack of shade and lack of infrastructure prevents them from doing so. In too many places in Tempe, active transportation is scary and dangerous."
Arizona as a whole is witnessing a surge in investments for clean energy projects, with more than $10 billion funneled into the sector since the passage of the IRA and BIL laws. This fiscal boost is expected to create over 13,000 new jobs, according to EOPA, signaling a significant impact on the state's economy and environmental footprint in the coming years.
