California’s Newsom Signs Bills Boosting State Extreme-Heat Plan

With a record-shattering heat wave receding in California, four extreme heat-related bills are set to become law after receiving Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature on Friday.

The legislation is intended to bolster the Golden State’s Extreme Heat Action Plan, an all-of-government strategy to strengthen the state’s resilience to more frequent and extreme heat.

“California is taking aggressive action to combat the climate crisis and build resilience in our most vulnerable communities, including a comprehensive strategy to protect Californians from extreme heat,” Newsom (D) said in a release. “With lives and livelihoods on the line, we cannot afford to delay.”

The nation’s first extreme heat advance warning and ranking system will be created under A.B. 2238. Another first, A.B. 2420, will direct the California Department of Public Health to review develop guidance to protect pregnant workers working outdoors.

Cities and counties will create climate resilience districts to invest in programs to tackle extreme heat, drought, wildfire and other climate impacts under S.B. 852.

An advisory committee will be formed to study the effects of extreme heat on California’s workers, businesses, and economy under A.B. 1643.

Newsom earlier this week directed $315 million from the state’s general fund to implement the Extreme Heat Action Plan after signing a budget bill.

Temperatures soared into triple digits this week during the most severe heat wave on record in the state. The heat is expected to break this weekend with temperatures falling into the upper 80s and low 90s.