THE ISSUEThe American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) supports legislation that encourages the use of green infrastructure and nature-based solutions, and other landscape architecture techniques to address extreme weather events.BackgroundToday, many communities are plagued by extreme heat, which is increasing in frequency, duration, and temperature, affecting public health and air quality, infrastructure maintenance, natural disaster frequency, and more.
“Extreme heat is a growing public health emergency that kills more Americans every year than any other weather-related causes—and breaks down American infrastructure. Senator Ruben Gallego’s Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act offers a smart, scalable response by supporting proven landscape-based strategies like tree planting, bus and transit shelters, green roofs, and park development. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) strongly supports this legislation, which affirms the vital role of landscape architects in building healthier, cooler, and fairer communities through design that works with nature,” said ASLA CEO Torey Carter-Conneen.
Bill SummaryOn March 27, 2025, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Ed Markey (D-MA) reintroduced S. 1166, the Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act. A House version of the bill was reintroduced by Representative Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ) on March 31, 2025.
This bill would help bring proven solutions to communities nationwide. Specifically, the measure would establish a grant program to provide communities with access to solutions that help mitigate some of the impacts of climate-induced high temperatures, including green roofs, tree planting, bus and transit shelters, and other cooling techniques.
Additionally, this bill seeks to advance environmental justice initiatives by providing specific consideration for projects in underserved communities. For example, no less than 50 percent of financial assistance under this bill will be provided for projects in low-income and Environmental Justice communities in any fiscal year.
Recent Action
On March 27, 2025, S. 1166 was reintroduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. SponsorsSenator Ruben Gallego (AZ), and cosponsors.
Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ)