HARTFORD, Conn — Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) is pitching a new federal bill to help people stay safe in the extreme heat.
He wants to set aside $100 million for community programs to improve air conditioning in under-served neighborhoods and using energy more efficiently.
Blumenthal said hotter summers, like the one Connecticut is experiencing now, are putting lives at risk.
“We take for granted that people can survive hot weather,” Blumenthal said. “But in fact many people are vulnerable during this time.”
The extreme Summer heat is more than a nuisance, Blumenthal said it is flat out dangerous.
It’s why he is teaming up with Massachusetts Sen. Edward Markey to introduce the Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act in Washington, D.C.
“Investing in specific projects, community programs, whether it's cool pavements, cool roofs, there is technology that reduces heat from pavements or roofs, better air conditioning, more reliable and efficient use of energy,” Sen. Blumenthal said. “We need to address climate change with practical, significant investment.”
The money would also fund cooling centers and raise public awareness about heat stroke and other heat-related threats.
“Education about heat is so important, especially for people who are most vulnerable our children and our seniors,” Sen. Blumenthal said. “We can do better. We have to do better and addressing heat emergencies like Connecticut is enduring over these next couple of days.”
Sen. Blumenthal hopes the bill gets bipartisan support, because extreme weather is something that impacts the entire country, in one way or another.
“I will be going back to Washington, urging my colleagues to unite behind a measure that can fund projects at the local level,” Sen. Blumenthal said.
Bridgette Bjorlo is an anchor/reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at bbjorlo@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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