Biden Seeks to Mitigate Impact of Ongoing Record Heatwaves

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In response to the searing temperatures scorching the Southwest and affecting millions of Americans, President Joe Biden is scheduled to announce new measures on Thursday. These will aim to enhance weather prediction capabilities and facilitate easier access to potable water, as per the White House.

Joining President Biden in the announcement will be representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Addressing the current heatwave situation, Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, termed it a “difficult time.” She further mentioned that President Biden is addressing climate change with the seriousness it warrants.

While some Democrats and environmental activists are advocating for the declaration of a climate “emergency,” the White House has held back on this front.

Mayors from Phoenix and San Antonio, both cities grappling with the brutal heatwaves, are slated to participate in the virtual White House event. Phoenix has witnessed over 26 consecutive days of 110-degree plus temperatures. Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, recently reported 18 heat-related fatalities between April 11 and July 15. A further 69 deaths are being investigated. Last year, the county saw 425 heat-related deaths.

San Antonio experienced 15 consecutive days with temperatures over 100 degrees. The scorching heat in Texas is being blamed for at least 13 deaths.

Thursday’s announcement is a continuation of other measures introduced by the administration to counter the increasing dangers posed by extreme heat. Some noteworthy efforts include:

The Department of Labor is formulating a heat-related workplace standard. The proposed regulation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration would necessitate employers to provide sufficient water, rest breaks, medical services, and heat-related illness training for outdoor workers. OSHA is gathering public comments this summer on how the proposed standard could impact small businesses.

To assist low-income communities in beating the heat, the Department of Health and Human Services has extended its Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. This will offer greater access to air conditioning and cooling centers like libraries, senior centers, or other public buildings. The Environmental Protection Agency has also supported community efforts to establish school-based cooling centers.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is aiding cities and towns in identifying “heat islands” characterized by densely built environments and fewer trees. The Department of Agriculture has provided guidelines to enhance tree canopy coverage, a proven method for cooling environments.

Moreover, the administration has introduced heat.gov, a website offering interactive maps, weather forecasts, and advice for dealing with record-breaking heat.

Over 100 Congress members, headed by Democratic Representatives Greg Casar and Sylvia Garcia from Texas, and Judy Chu from California, have urged the administration to expedite the implementation of the new heat standard for outdoor workers.

Acknowledging that heatwaves are becoming more frequent and dangerous due to climate change, the lawmakers stated in a Monday letter that “urgent action is needed to prevent more deaths.”

Groups such as the United Farm Workers have also called on OSHA to promptly issue a nationwide rule protecting outdoor workers, following recent farm worker deaths in Florida and Arizona.

Douglas Parker, assistant Labor secretary for occupational safety and health, pledged to prioritize heat illness prevention. He stated that as OSHA progresses toward a final rule, the agency is stepping up enforcement efforts to raise awareness among employers and workers about the risks of heat illness and its prevention.

Ladd Keith, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona specializing in heat policy and governance, pointed out that the record-breaking heat aligns with climate change forecasts. While not surprising, these events continue a worrisome trend of increasing climate impacts, he noted.

Despite the significant attention drawn to other climate risks like floods and wildfires, rising temperatures have often been overlooked, according to Keith. He stated that heat has been largely ignored at both national and local levels until recent years.

However, in light of searing weather events like the 2021 Pacific Northwest heat dome that caused record temperatures and numerous deaths, the administration has significantly increased its attention to the issue.

Last month, OSHA penalized a Florida farm supervisor for exposing workers to excessive heat, following the preventable death of a 28-year-old Mexican worker at a Parkland, Florida farm.

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Report by Costley from New Orleans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Heatwave Relief Measures

More about Heatwave Relief Measures

• White House Official Website
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Department of Labor – Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• Department of Health and Human Services – Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Heat.gov