Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act

Summary

Directs the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology (S&T) office to evaluate existing federal research on ways to reduce or avoid negative homeland security effects from climate change and, if Congress provides money, to carry out research and development (R&D) to mitigate those effects. Requires consultation with other federal agencies, state/local/Tribal/territorial governments, and critical infrastructure owners/operators, and requires a report to congressional committees within one year and annually for three years.

• Directs DHS Science & Technology to evaluate federal research on mitigating homeland security impacts of climate change.
• Authorizes DHS S&T to conduct R&D to mitigate those impacts, but only if Congress provides funding.
• R&D must prioritize impacts that impede Department operations (DHS mission-critical disruptions).
• Requires consultation and potential coordination with federal agencies, state/local/Tribal/territorial governments, and critical infrastructure owners/operators.
• Defines "climate change" in statute as detectable human-attributed changes to the climate system.
• Mandates a report to Congress within one year and then annually for three years on evaluation findings and R&D activities.
• Does not appropriate funds or impose direct regulatory duties on states or private entities.