Biden looks to provide relief from extreme heat as record high temperatures persist across the US

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As the United States battles intense and prolonged heatwaves, President Joe Biden declared new measures on Thursday aimed at shielding workers from extreme heat. These measures include a warning system to inform employers and employees about heat-related safety measures and additional provisions to enhance weather prediction accuracy and broaden drinking water availability.

This response comes as nearly 40% of U.S. citizens are under heat advisories, based on data from the National Weather Service. The Southwest has already suffered significant heat this month, with the Midwest and Northeast bracing for more scorching days. The nation’s capital, Washington D.C., isn’t immune, with the heat index predicted to hit 110 degrees Fahrenheit or 43 degrees Celsius on Friday.

Scientists are predicting July to be the hottest month ever recorded, underscoring the global dimension of the problem.

Highlighting that ocean temperatures around Miami have reached 100 F (38 C), Biden commented that it felt more like entering a hot tub than plunging into the sea. Biden referred to federal statistics to label extreme heat as the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the U.S.

In response to the urgent implications of climate change, Biden has faced calls from Democrats and environmental groups to declare a climate “emergency.” Although he has so far refrained from doing so, his recent moves aim to mitigate the immediate impacts of climate change, complementing his broader strategy of greenhouse gas reduction and green energy adoption. This long-term plan, however, may not yield immediate benefits, even as global temperatures continue to rise.

Biden has instructed the Labor Department to intensify the inspection of potentially hazardous workplaces such as farms and construction sites, and called for stricter enforcement of heat safety regulations. The department will issue a warning alert, offering guidance to employers and employees on how to safeguard against extreme heat, which has claimed 436 workers’ lives since 2011, according to federal data.

The administration has earmarked $7 million for improving the accuracy of weather forecasts for severe weather events such as heatwaves. Additionally, $152 million will be allocated for upgrading drinking water infrastructure and enhancing climate resilience in California, Colorado, and Washington.

Biden was accompanied on Thursday by acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, along with leaders from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The mayors of Phoenix and San Antonio, two cities hard-hit by the heatwaves, attended the White House event virtually.

Phoenix, bearing the brunt of the heat crisis, has been under 110 F (43.3 C) heat for at least 27 consecutive days. The city, located in Maricopa County, has reported 25 heat-related deaths from April 11 to July 22. An additional 249 deaths are currently being investigated. The city has also established the nation’s first permanent, publicly-funded heat office to deal with the ongoing crisis.

In San Antonio, Texas, where temperatures have soared to over 100 F (38 C) for at least 15 straight days, the city has embarked on a green energy initiative. Mayor Ron Nirenberg expressed confidence in Texas leading the way towards a more sustainable future.

To address the increased threats posed by extreme heat, the Biden administration is implementing several protective measures. This includes the development of a heat management standard by the Labor Department for workplaces, expanding the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, mapping “heat islands” in cities and towns, and launching a website, heat.gov, to provide interactive maps, weather forecasts, and cooling tips.

The administration’s efforts are welcomed by over 100 members of Congress, who are urging a swift implementation of the new heat standard for outdoor workers. Other groups have also demanded the immediate establishment of a nationwide rule to protect outdoor workers, following heat-related deaths this month in Florida and Arizona.

With the growing threats posed by climate change, Professor Ladd Keith from the University of Arizona emphasized that the soaring temperatures align with climate change projections, highlighting the need for urgent action.

This report was contributed by Costley from New Orleans, with additional inputs from AP Science Writer Seth Borenstein.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Extreme Heat Measures

More about Extreme Heat Measures

• Biden Administration’s Climate Action Plan
• National Weather Service Heat Advisory Information
• OSHA Guidelines on Occupational Heat Exposure
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• FEMA on Preparing for Extreme Heat