Bill > S2340

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 assessing how climate change affects human health, with a particular focus on environmental justice and medically underserved communities. Its key activities include tracking health data related to climate change, developing tools for climate resilience, creating preparedness and response plans for health threats, and reducing the health sector's greenhouse gas emissions. The bill requires the Secretary of HHS to develop a comprehensive National Strategic Action Plan within one year of enactment, which will involve consulting with multiple federal agencies, tribal governments, and public stakeholders. The plan must include strategies for identifying vulnerable communities, addressing health disparities, tracking disease surveillance, and recommending policies to improve health system capacity. Additionally, the bill establishes a science advisory board of 10-20 experts to provide scientific guidance, and mandates periodic reports to Congress on climate change's health impacts. The legislation authorizes $10 million annually from 2026-2031 for the Office's operations, with additional funding for the strategic action plan and advisory board. The overall goal is to prepare and protect public health systems and communities from the health-related consequences of climate change.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2340/all-info