Climate Adaptation Policy Options

Policy Options

Coastal Resilience:

• Louisiana H.B. 305 (enacted 2024): Directs that the state’s share of revenue from all energy production in federal waters go towards coastal restoration projects.

• Rhode Island H.B. 7022 (enacted 2024): Creates a Chief Resilience Officer (CRO) that will assess climate risks and use this information to create a coastal resilience plan by June 2025.

Cooling Centers and Adequate Cooling in Homes:

• Arkansas H.B.1557 (enacted 2021): Allows local governments to set up emergency warming/cooling centers and requires utilities to: 1) avoid service disruptions at these centers, 2) reduce energy consumption during events as directed by a regional authority, and 3) prioritize these centers for service restoration.

• Oregon S.B.1536 (enacted 2022): Prohibits landlords from restricting tenants’ use of portable cooling devices, directs the Oregon Health Authority to provide air conditioners and filters during emergencies, and requires new residential units to have adequate cooling facilities and ensures sufficient electrical service for tenants’ heating and cooling needs in new manufactured dwellings.

Building Retrofits:

• Florida H.B. 293 (enacted 2024): Requires Homeowners Associations to adopt hurricane protection specifications for every structure governed by the HOA, including roof systems, storm shutters, impact-resistant windows, and erosion controls. 

• Minnesota S.F.2744 (enacted 2023):  Establishes the Strengthen Minnesota Homes program which helps Minnesotans upgrade their roofs to ensure they are more resistant to high wind, hail and other extreme weather events.

Disaster Management:

• Oklahoma HB 2912/2913 (enacted 2024): Creates the $30 million State Assistance Dedicated for Disaster-impacted Local Economies Revolving Fund to provide local governments financial assistance to cover the costs of disasters.

• Vermont S.310 (enacted 2024): Establishes the Community Resilience and Disaster Mitigation Grant Program and Fund which provides grants towards municipalities working on disaster mitigation, adaptations, and repairs. 

Extreme Heat:

• Colorado S.B. 087 (enacted 2021): Established key heat protections for agricultural workers by requiring employers to develop safety procedures and implement training measures for all employees when the temperature at a worksite is, or is forecasted to be, at least 80 degrees. 

• Washington H.B. 1329 (enacted 2023): Prohibits landlords and utility companies from disconnecting electric and water services for nonpayment during extreme weather events.

Flood Disclosure:

• Illinois S.B. 2601 (enacted 2024): Mandates that landlords must disclose potential flood risks to tenants. This includes past flooding events, the property’s designation as a flood hazard, and provisions for lease termination and damage recovery if a landlord does not comply.

• New Hampshire H.B. 1320 (enacted 2024): Adds flood risk to the list of necessary disclosures and requires sellers to disclose if the property is in the flood zone and whether the property has flood insurance.

Green Infrastructure:

• Florida S.B. 976 (enacted 2021): Encouraged new approaches and financing mechanisms for the protection of the state’s wildlife corridor, including public-private partnerships, payments for ecosystem services, and blended financing for resilience and green infrastructure.

• Oregon H.B. 3409 (enacted 2023): Includes the creation of a Community Green Infrastructure Grant Program which supports green infrastructure projects, especially in environmental justice communities.