What does Preamble of HR 3703 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish an excess urban heat mitigation grant program, and for other purposes,' aims to establish a grant program. The bill requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish an excess urban heat mitigation grant program.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 3703 do?

This bill is formally titled the Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2025.

What does FINDINGS. of HR 3703 do?

This section outlines findings related to urban heat and its impacts. Heat stress is identified as a leading weather-related cause of death in the United States. Urban areas experience higher temperatures due to factors like low solar reflectance and high building density. Underserved communities, particularly low-income areas and communities of color, are disproportionately affected by extreme heat. Urban heat poses both public health and economic challenges, including increased costs for roadway maintenance, energy, and healthcare. Excess urban heat contributes to increased energy consumption, air pollution, and impaired water quality. Heat waves are projected to become more frequent and longer in duration. Solutions like urban tree planting can mitigate the urban heat island effect and reduce heat-related mortality.

What does DEFINITIONS. of HR 3703 do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. A 'covered census tract' is defined as one with a poverty rate of at least 20% and may include areas previously designated as 'hazardous' or 'definitely declining'. An 'eligible entity' includes States, metropolitan planning organizations, units of local government, Indian tribes, territorial governments, and qualifying nonprofit organizations. An 'eligible project' aims to mitigate or manage heat in urban areas, including tree planting, cool pavements, cool roofs, cooling centers, and other actions deemed appropriate by the Secretary. The Act defines 'environmental justice' as fair treatment and meaningful involvement for all people regarding environmental laws. ‘Excess urban heat effect’ refers to local urban warming caused by factors like low solar reflectance and high building density. ‘Extreme heat’ is defined as a prolonged period of excessively hot weather. A 'nonprofit organization' is defined as one described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The 'Secretary' refers to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. An 'urban forestry master plan' is a strategic plan for evaluating, maintaining, and expanding the urban tree canopy. An 'urban tree canopy assessment' measures a community's tree canopy coverage.

What does URBAN HEAT MITIGATION AND MANAGEMENT GRANT PROGRAM. of HR 3703 do?

This section establishes an Urban Heat Mitigation and Management Grant Program to award grants for eligible projects. Not less than 75 percent of grant funds must be awarded to entities implementing projects in designated 'covered census tracts'. Up to 3 percent of appropriated funds can be used for technical assistance to grant applicants and recipients. Applicants must demonstrate how their projects will combat extreme heat, improve quality of life, and address the intersection of human health, environment, and the built environment. The Federal share of project costs is generally capped at 80 percent, but may be waived to 100 percent for entities demonstrating economic hardship. Priority for grant awards is given to entities serving communities in covered census tracts or with higher summer temperatures and lower tree canopy. The Secretary must submit an annual report to Congress detailing grant recipients and their geographic and economic distribution. An oversight board will be established to select grant recipients and review project progress, using up to 5 percent of appropriated funds. The oversight board will evaluate project success using a rubric and provide advisory services to the Secretary.

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Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2025 — HR. 3703

Last updated: 6/4/2025 · Introduced: 6/4/2025

Author: Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes an Urban Heat Mitigation and Management Grant Program within the Department of Housing and Urban Development to fund projects that reduce extreme heat in urban areas.
At least 75% of grant funds must be directed to projects located in designated 'covered census tracts,' which are areas with high poverty rates.
Grant selection prioritizes projects serving communities with higher summer temperatures and lower tree canopy coverage, and an oversight board will evaluate project success.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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