This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to research and develop strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on homeland security.
Yvette Clarke
Representative
NY-9
The Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act directs the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to evaluate existing federal research on climate change and prioritize research and development that impacts the Department's operations. It requires consultation with other agencies and governments, and the submission of annual reports to Congress for three years. The goal is to mitigate the negative effects of climate change on homeland security, preparedness, disaster response, and federal funding for disaster declarations.
Homeland Security Mandated to Research Climate Change Links to National Safety
This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to get serious about understanding how climate change messes with keeping the country safe. Specifically, it amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002, tasking the Under Secretary for Science and Technology with digging into the connections between climate shifts and homeland security challenges. This includes looking at how things like extreme weather impact disaster preparedness, emergency planning, response efforts, and even how federal disaster funding works.
Mapping the Climate Threat to Homeland Security
The core job here is research and development. The Under Secretary needs to first take stock of what climate change research related to homeland security is already happening across the federal government. Think of it as figuring out what we already know before starting new projects. Then, the focus shifts to prioritizing new research, specifically targeting areas that directly affect DHS's day-to-day operations and core missions – like securing borders, responding to disasters, or protecting critical infrastructure. The bill, under the new Section 324 added to the Homeland Security Act, defines climate change based on human activity altering the global atmosphere. Importantly, DHS isn't doing this in a vacuum; they're required to consult with other federal agencies, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, plus the folks who own and operate critical infrastructure (like power grids or water systems).
Annual Check-Ins: Tracking the Climate Research Progress
To make sure this research actually happens and Congress stays in the loop, the bill requires accountability. The Under Secretary for Science and Technology must submit an annual report for the next three years. This report goes to specific committees in the House and Senate and needs to detail the research and development activities undertaken under this new mandate. It's essentially a progress report to show what DHS is learning about climate impacts and where research efforts are focused.
Reading Between the Lines: What This Research Could Mean
Right now, this bill is about asking questions, not dictating answers. It mandates research, not specific actions based on that research. The potential upside is clear: a better understanding of how climate change affects national security could lead to smarter planning, more effective disaster response, and potentially more resilient infrastructure down the line. However, the bill has some flexibility that could be influenced down the road. For instance, decisions about which research gets prioritized could be shaped by different factors. Also, while the bill defines 'climate change', how that definition is applied in research could vary. The main takeaway for now is that DHS is being officially tasked with connecting the dots between environmental changes and the security challenges that affect everyone, from planning emergency routes to securing essential services.