Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act

Bill Number

H.R. 2674

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Environmental Protection

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-04-07: Referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology.

Last Updated

2025-05-13T08:05:18Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The "Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act" (H.R. 2674) aims to address how climate change affects homeland security by requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to study and develop strategies to reduce its negative impacts. It focuses on improving preparedness, response, and recovery from climate-related threats, such as natural disasters.

Key Provisions

• Evaluation of Existing Research: The Under Secretary for Science and Technology in DHS must review current federal studies on mitigating climate change's effects on homeland security. This includes assessing:
• How these effects influence emergency planning, disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
• Whether federal funding for disaster and emergency declarations is structured appropriately to handle these effects.
• Other relevant issues as determined by the Under Secretary.
• Research and Development (R&D): If funding is available, DHS may conduct new R&D to develop mitigation approaches. Priorities include:
• Effects that hinder DHS operations.
• Broader homeland security matters like planning and funding.
• Consultation and Coordination: The Under Secretary must consult with:
• Leaders of other federal agencies and departments.
• State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments.
• Owners and operators of critical infrastructure (essential systems like power grids or transportation).
• Definition of Climate Change: The bill defines it as measurable shifts in weather patterns or environmental systems caused by human activities that change the atmosphere's makeup.
• Reporting Requirements: Within one year of enactment, and annually for the next three years, the Under Secretary must report to specific congressional committees (House Homeland Security, House Science, Space, and Technology; Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs) on all R&D activities under this new authority.
• Technical Update: Adds the new section to the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and updates the law's table of contents.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill amends Title III of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 by adding a new Section 324 specifically on climate change R&D. Previously, the Act outlined DHS's science and technology roles but did not explicitly require focused research on climate change's homeland security impacts. This introduces mandatory evaluation and optional R&D, with built-in consultation and reporting, expanding DHS's responsibilities without altering other parts of the law.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: DHS, particularly its Science and Technology Directorate, will need to allocate resources for evaluation, potential R&D, and reporting, potentially improving coordination across federal agencies for climate-resilient security measures. Other agencies may contribute through consultations, leading to more integrated disaster response strategies.
• On Citizens: Could enhance public safety by better preparing for climate-driven disasters (e.g., floods, wildfires), potentially leading to more effective emergency aid and recovery. It may influence how federal disaster funding is used, benefiting communities in vulnerable areas.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts are outlined; the focus is domestic homeland security, though indirect benefits could arise from stronger U.S. resilience to global climate effects.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• DHS Leadership: Primarily the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, who leads the required activities.
• Federal Agencies: Other departments (e.g., those involved in disaster response or environmental science) for consultation and coordination.
• State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Governments: Involved in planning and response, gaining from shared research on climate threats.
• Critical Infrastructure Owners/Operators: Private and public entities (e.g., utilities, ports) that must collaborate on mitigating risks to essential services.
• Congress: Specific committees receive reports, enabling oversight of DHS's climate efforts.
• General Public: Indirectly affected through improved national preparedness.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Establishes a clear mandate for DHS to integrate climate considerations into homeland security without creating new enforcement powers or penalties. Activities depend on available funding, avoiding unfunded mandates. The definition of climate change aligns with scientific consensus, providing a neutral basis for implementation.
• Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; it falls under Congress's authority to regulate federal agencies and commerce (including disaster response), supporting executive branch duties for national security.
• Political: Highlights bipartisan interest (introduced by members from both parties) in linking climate change to security, potentially setting a precedent for future environmental-security policies. It promotes intergovernmental collaboration but may spark debates on resource allocation amid competing priorities.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-04-07: Referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology.
• 2025-04-07: Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
• 2025-04-07: Introduced in House
• 2025-04-07: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act — issued 2025-04-07 — PDF (4 pages)