CLARKE, THOMPSON, KENNEDY REINTRODUCE BILL TO PREPARE DHS FOR CLIMATE CRISIS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 7, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Congressman Bennie Thompson (MS-02), and Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) reintroduced the Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act, legislation to prepare the Department of Homeland Security to confront and mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis.

"As we fall deeper into the ongoing climate crisis, ensuring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is equipped to address its escalating impacts must be a priority. The well-being and safety of America's vulnerable, frontline communities will depend on how DHS prepares for and responds to these impacts, particularly in the face of the Trump Administration's work to dismantle DHS and hinder FEMA's effectiveness at every turn. I'm proud to introduce legislation that meaningfully moves America forward in our fight against the climate crisis by rooting the DHS' climate efforts in strong research and an actionable defense plan," said Congresswoman Clarke.

"We all know that climate change is making storms more frequent and more intense - doing untold damage to our communities. To meet this threat, we need to make sure that the Department is taking climate change into account when it is planning for disasters and other homeland security missions. Wishing it away - and pretending it doesn't exist - for political reasons, as the Trump Administration is doing, is not an option. I thank Ms. Clarke for her leadership on this issue and for introducing this legislation," said Congressman Thompson.

"From blizzards to hurricanes, in every corner of the country, including my district, we have seen the impact of extreme weather due to climate change," said Congressman Tim Kennedy, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology. "This bill, led by Congresswoman Clarke, will empower the Department of Homeland Security to better understand the changing needs of our communities, helping to build resilience against the impacts of climate change. As the Trump Administration continues to degrade our capacity to respond to extreme weather events, I am committed to strengthening it to better support communities, protect our national security, and save lives."

The Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act recognizes the importance of mitigating climate change challenges by directing DHS's Science and Technology Directorate to:

• Assess the current Federal research regarding approaches to mitigate identified or potential negative effects of climate change on homeland security including but not limited to preparedness and emergency planning policies, including with respect to preparedness, response to, and recovery from natural disasters; and
• Consult with heads of other Federal agencies and departments, State, local, Tribal, territorial governments, and stakeholders when identifying and suggesting policy changes to mitigate the impact of climate change on homeland security; and
• Mandate an annual report to Congress for three years on any research and development activities concerning climate change.

Read the full bill text here.

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