Extreme Heat Action Plan
More frequent and intense extreme heat events and rising temperatures driven by climate change have a disproportionate impact on disadvantaged communities. In response, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) are leading the development of an extreme heat action plan. The plan will focus on addressing extreme heat impacts in disadvantaged communities, areas of employment, and recreational zones across the State.
The Extreme Heat Action Plan Work Group, comprised of agency experts and staff, representing multiple agencies, will deliver a first-of-its-kind comprehensive State plan for addressing present and future extreme heat by:
- developing an extreme heat adaptation plan to address the structural drivers of extreme heat and heat inequities
- establishing a comprehensive State response to extreme heat emergencies as part of the State Comprehensive Emergency Response Plan
- directing and coordinating investments to benefit disadvantaged communities by creating a comprehensive inventory of State programs, initiatives, and services, and analyzing how these programs benefit heat-vulnerable disadvantaged communities
- expediting and implementing immediate action for this summer to scale existing efforts to address the most acute extreme heat-related impacts and needs
More information on the Extreme Heat Action Plan and the Work Group can be found on DEC’s website 
.