Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces Bill to Address Increasing Threat of Heat Emergencies

May 22, 2026 Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces Bill to Address Increasing Threat of Heat Emergencies Washington, D.C. (May 22, 2026) – Today, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) reintroduced the Stay Cool Act, a package of proposals for addressing the increased threat of heat emergencies by improving how we study, react to, and mitigate extreme heat. On Tuesday, temperatures in parts of New Jersey reached a high of 99 degrees making it one of the hottest days ever recorded during the month of May in New Jersey. This is alarming, yet becoming a new normal across the country. Heat threatens the lives of children, the elderly, outdoor workers, and others as prolonged exposure leads to health risks, such as heat cramps, heat stroke, and death, as well as exacerbates pre-existing and chronic illnesses. Research from Duke University estimates an average of 12,000 annual heat-related deaths with other estimates placing the number much higher. As the effect of climate change warms the planet and extreme heat emergencies become more frequent, the United States needs a comprehensive plan to address them. Unfortunately, the intensity and impact of heat on communities varies, with communities of color and low-income communities at greater risk of experiencing higher temperatures than their white and wealthier counterparts. Large populations of these communities live in urban areas which are subjected to the urban heat island effect, resulting in surface temperatures well above their suburban counterparts. Moreover, in many of these poor and minority communities, residents struggle with significant medical conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, which can become fatal during heat waves. “In many communities across the country extreme heat is a life threatening issue,” said Watson Coleman. As global temperatures continue to rise, the threat of extreme heat will only grow. While we fight the causes of climate change we must take the necessary steps to mitigate the damage of rising temperatures we’re already experiencing..” The Stay Cool Act is endorsed by Food and Water Watch, American Forests, GreenLatinos, Climate Justice Alliance, and the Federation of American Scientists (FAS). "Extreme heat is not a future threat, but a public health crisis happening right now in communities across the country,” said Jim Walsh, Policy Director at Food & Water Watch. "We applaud Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman’s leadership on the Stay Cool Act, which recognizes that access to safe housing, proper cooling and community resilience infrastructure can mean life or death as climate change drives more dangerous and frequent heat waves." “We’re proud to support the Stay Cool Act because communities need practical, long-term solutions that protect people where they live, work and travel,” said Joel Pannell, Vice President of Urban Forests Policy for American Forests. “Extreme heat is one of the deadliest and fastest-growing threats facing communities across the country, especially in neighborhoods with limited tree canopy and green space. Urban forests are critical cooling infrastructure that reduce temperatures, lower household energy costs, improve public health, and make streets, transit corridors, and neighborhoods safer and more resilient during extreme heat events.” “Our communities have always known the heat — we’ve worked in it, lived in it, and survived it,” said Juan Roberto Madrid, Sustainable Communities Program Manager for GreenLatinos. ”The Stay Cool Act is a promise that no familia should have to choose between paying bills and staying alive in a heat emergency. This is what climate justice looks like: seeing our neighbors, protecting our elders, and building a future where everyone can thrive.” “Climate Justice Alliance is happy to support the Stay Cool Act because it offers solutions that will bring our communities one step closer to accessing critical services that safeguard our health, especially in times of severe weather and community crises,” said Mar Zepeda Salazar, Legislative Director of Climate Justice Alliance. “As we see more extreme heat and rising utility bills, our families and seniors need reliable, safe, and affordable relief. This bill helps protect those most at risk from heat waves and power outages, ensuring they have safe, cool places to go. It invests in practical solutions like community cooling centers and upgrades for homes and public buildings, making our neighborhoods stronger and more resilient. This is a vital step toward protecting everyone's health and well-being from the challenges of massive data centers and polluting industry expansion.” “Heat season is here already, with 50 million Americans experiencing temperatures 15-30 F above normal this week,” said Dr. Hannah Safford, Associate Director of Climate and Environment at Federation of American Scientists (FAS). ”We need comprehensive policy action to deal with the rapidly escalating threat of extreme heat to health and livelihoods. FAS is proud to endorse the Stay Cool Act, which directly advances key priorities in FAS's 2025 Heat Policy Agenda: from improving heat early warning systems to ensuring that residents in public housing have access to adequate cooling." The Stay Cool Act: Establishes a federal heat preparedness system, including a national heat ranking system and studies on naming heat waves and tracking heat-related deaths. Creates grants for cooling and community resilience centers, including funding for HVAC systems, generators, outreach, and public awareness tools. Funds installation of air conditioning and cooling systems in public and federally assisted housing and directs HUD to establish safe residential temperature standards. Expands support for low-income households by accounting for cooling costs in utility allowances and studying updates to LIHEAP formulas. Creates a payroll tax credit for nonprofits that operate as cooling centers during heat emergencies. Funds urban heat mitigation projects, including splash parks, green spaces, and tree planting to reduce temperatures and expand shade access. Supports programs that check on seniors during extreme heat events through wellness registries and outreach systems. The Stay Cool Act is cosponsored by Representatives Diana DeGette (CO-01), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Carter (LA-02), Crockett (TX-30), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), and Cleo Fields (LA-06). Text of the bill can be found here . ### Print Email Share Tweet