NY’s Extreme Heat Action Plan (Way Too Early)

Governor Hochul, along with DEC and NYSERDA, recently released the Extreme Heat Action Plan (EHAP), the next step in New York State’s effort to improve resilience to and mitigate the impacts of extreme heat, particularly in vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. As climate change progresses and extreme heat becomes more frequent and more severe, EHAP is designed to help communities adequately prepare for and respond to the many devastating impacts. The plan sets a roadmap for New York State government-wide to address extreme heat equitably, reduce vulnerability, and support local communities’ adaptation. EHAP was developed through collaborative community planning processes with local organizers and 29 state agencies and included 49 initiatives.

EHAP is divided into four areas that address different issues across the state. The first area is adaptation, planning and management. This includes initiatives such as the Development of regional resilience networks as well as Nationwide extreme heat maps and funding for major projects to mitigate extreme heat and the UHI effect. These two projects will help communities adapt to and cope with extreme heat by creating community networks, including resilience centers and neighborhood networks. In addition, these initiatives will help better identify vulnerable, disadvantaged communities so that resilience projects can be better targeted.

The next objectives relate to readiness, communication and occupational safety and include: Support in the development and implementation of regional and local heat emergency plans as well as Expanding coverage and improving access to cooling centresThese two initiatives aim to improve local responses to extreme heat emergencies by developing community plans and expanding access to cooling centers.

Track three of the EHAP focuses on the built environment, infrastructure and managed spaces. This includes policies such as the Installation of renewable energy sources and backup storage in social housing, group homes, assisted living facilities, emergency shelters, community centers, schools, libraries and other community facilitiesThis initiative would help New York State meet its 2030 climate goals and reduce the impacts of extreme heat. Other measures include Tightening state building regulations to take extreme heat into account, Financing equipment improvements, thermal resilience and decarbonisation at educational institutionsAnd Accelerating the conversion of bus and agency fleets with combustion engines to electric drive.

The last group of initiatives focuses on ecosystem-based adaptation. These include Accelerate the implementation and maintenance of ecosystem-based and green infrastructure solutions across the state to reduce the impacts of extreme heatthat aims to demonstrate effective extreme heat resilience through green pilot projects across the state. These projects can also help protect natural ecosystems across the state.

With NYLCV’s support and advocacy, many of these initiatives can become a reality.