Amid sweltering temperatures that have shattered records across multiple regions, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), accompanied by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Representative Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), has reintroduced legislation to categorize extreme heat as a major disaster. The proposal is set on amending FEMA's current list to include extreme heat, a move intended to unleash needed federal funds and support for communities grappling with the lethal consequences of increasingly frequent heat waves. In a statement obtained by Senator Gallego's office, the senator remarked on the death toll of extreme weather, emphasizing the current inadequacy of federal measures and the strain on state and local resources.
Senator Rosen noted that more than 500 people died from heat-related illnesses last year in a single Nevada county, stressing the urgency of the proposed legislation. Congresswoman Garcia also highlighted that thousands of Americans die from extreme heat annually and argued that the absence of a federal disaster designation hinders effective response efforts by federal agencies.
The Extreme Heat Emergency Act, if passed, would make localities affected by extreme heat eligible for federal major disaster assistance. Senator Ruben Gallego, who introduced a similar bill in 2023 while in the House, has continued to support such reforms. Arizona Chief Heat Officer Dr. Eugene Livar emphasized the importance of infrastructure resilience amid prolonged heatwaves, a position shared by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. According to local health officials, Maricopa County recorded 602 heat-related deaths in 2024, reinforcing the urgency of the proposed legislation.
Hannah Safford, Associate Director of Climate and Environment at the Federation of American Scientists, expressed support for recognizing extreme heat as a legitimate emergency, citing its impact on public health, infrastructure, and the economy. Maricopa County officials are currently investigating 275 potential heat-related deaths this year, a number already exceeding last year’s pace. In addition to the Extreme Heat Emergency Act, Senator Gallego has introduced the Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act and the LIHEAP Parity Act, aimed at improving heat resilience and ensuring equitable access to federal energy assistance.
