Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2025

This bill creates a new HUD grant program to help cities and communities cool down dangerous urban heat. HUD must set it up within 1 year, working with EPA, the Forest Service, and NOAA. At least 75% of the money must go to high‑poverty neighborhoods and areas that include historically redlined blocks, which face higher heat and lower tree cover. Projects must show how they reduce extreme heat and improve quality of life, and applicants have to include a strong community engagement plan. HUD can offer technical help to applicants, with preference for places that are hotter and have fewer trees. An oversight board will help pick projects and check progress each year. The bill authorizes $30 million per year from 2026 through 2033.

Why this matters: Heat is the deadliest weather threat in the U.S., hitting low‑income neighborhoods and people of color the hardest. Planting urban trees and other local steps can cut heat and save lives.

• Who is affected: Communities facing extreme heat, especially high‑poverty and formerly redlined areas; local governments and groups that apply for grants.
• What changes: New HUD grants for heat‑reduction projects (like increasing tree cover), required community input, help for applicants, priority for the hottest, least‑shaded areas, and annual reporting and oversight. Federal funding can cover up to 80% of project costs, and up to 100% for communities with economic hardship.
• When: HUD issues guidance within 180 days, launches the program within 1 year, and funding is authorized for 2026–2033.