Bill > HR4515

This bill establishes the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address the health impacts of climate change. The office will be responsible for a wide range of activities, including assessing how climate change affects human health, understanding the needs of communities most impacted by climate-related health threats, tracking environmental and disease data, and developing tools to support climate resilience. The bill requires the Secretary of HHS to create a national strategic action plan within one year of enactment, which will coordinate federal efforts to prepare public health and healthcare systems for climate change impacts. The plan must include strategies for addressing health disparities, tracking health sector emissions, and developing disease surveillance systems. The bill also establishes a science advisory board of 10-20 experts to provide scientific advice and recommendations to the Secretary. Additionally, the bill authorizes funding for the office ($10 million annually from 2026-2031), the national strategic action plan ($2 million for fiscal year 2026), and the advisory board ($500,000 for fiscal year 2026). The legislation aims to comprehensively address the health challenges posed by climate change, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable and environmental justice communities.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4515/all-info