Legislation Search

H.R. 3703: Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2025, aims to address the issue of extreme heat in urban areas by establishing a grant program administered by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Here is a summary of the key elements and provisions of the bill:

Purpose

The main purpose of the bill is to create an urban heat mitigation and management grant program intended to help communities reduce the effects of excessive urban heat, which is a growing concern due to climate change and urbanization.

Background Information

The bill emphasizes the following findings:

Extreme heat is a significant weather-related cause of death in the U.S., causing over 600 fatalities and numerous health issues annually.
Urban areas tend to have higher temperatures than rural areas due to various factors, including the design of buildings, low vegetation, and high levels of heat emissions.
Underserved communities are particularly affected by extreme heat, facing higher temperatures and lower tree cover compared to wealthier areas.
The economic impacts of urban heat include increased costs for energy, road maintenance, healthcare, and reduced labor productivity.
Solutions exist to mitigate urban heat, such as planting trees, which can significantly reduce heat-related mortality.

Definitions

Key terms defined in the bill include:

Covered census tract: Areas with a poverty rate of 20% or more.
Eligible entity: Includes state governments, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and others.
Eligible project: Projects aimed at mitigating urban heat and improving community resilience.

Grant Program Structure

The grant program will be established within one year of the bill's enactment. Key features include:

Grants will be awarded for projects that address urban heat through various methods including tree planting, development of cool roofs or pavements, and establishing cooling centers.
A minimum of 75% of the grants will be directed to projects in covered census tracts.
Grants may cover up to 80% of project costs, with possible waivers for entities demonstrating economic hardship.

Application and Evaluation Process

Eligible entities must submit an application detailing:

How the funds will be used to combat urban heat and improve quality of life.
A plan for engaging with the affected communities during the project.

The Secretary of HUD will prioritize applications that serve lower-income or higher temperature communities.

Oversight and Reporting

The Secretary is tasked with establishing an oversight board to oversee the grant program, which includes representatives from various federal agencies, nonprofits, and academia. The board will:

Help select grantees.
Assess the effectiveness of funded projects.
Provide annual reports to Congress detailing grant distribution.

Funding

The bill authorizes an appropriation of $30 million per year for eight years (2026-2033) to support the grant program.

Summary

In summary, the Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2025 aims to provide financial support to urban communities for projects that mitigate the health and environmental impacts of extreme heat, particularly in underserved areas. It focuses on comprehensive community engagement, prioritizes economically disadvantaged areas, and underscores the importance of urban forestry and green infrastructure as solutions to urban heat challenges.