James Walkinshaw (D-VA)
Heat Island Reduction Act
A Democratic bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The bill is called the Heat Island Reduction Act. It requires the head of each federal agency to make a heat island reduction plan for federal properties and facilities located in areas that do not meet national air quality standards for ozone. These plans must look at measures like increasing tree canopy, adding cool or vegetated roofs, and using permeable paving materials. Agencies must also create implementation plans with actions, milestones, and estimated costs, and update them every two years. The Administrator of General Services is required to submit annual progress reports to specific congressional committees. Finally, agencies are not forced to carry out measures if the agency head determines they are not appropriate or not cost-effective.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +5
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The legislation mandates strategies to reduce ground-level ozone pollution and improve air quality around federal facilities.
- Scored +4
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The legislation requires the General Services Administration to submit annual progress reports to congressional committees detailing implementation and expenditures.
- Scored +3
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
The bill requires federal agencies to implement heat island reduction plans that incorporate green roofs, increased vegetation, and energy-efficient practices which help lower emissions.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(a)(2)(C): This provision identifies opportunities to increase tree canopy, vegetation, and shade over paved and pedestrian areas. This could benefit individuals by reducing pedestrian heat exposure and lowering surface and ambient air temperatures around federal facilities.
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Section 2(a)(2)(C): This section allows for the installation of cool roofs, vegetated roofs, and green infrastructure. This may benefit people by improving building energy efficiency, managing stormwater, and lowering overall cooling demands.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 2(b)(2)(E): This provision requires agencies to include estimated costs associated with carrying out heat island reduction actions in their implementation plans. This could be viewed as a negative burden because it involves the expenditure of taxpayer funds.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The legislation mandates strategies to reduce ground-level ozone pollution and improve air quality around federal facilities. Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — The bill encourages green infrastructure and sustainable building practices like cool and vegetated roofs. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The bill requires federal agencies to implement heat island reduction plans that incorporate green roofs, increased vegetation, and energy-efficient practices which help lower emissions.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The legislation requires the General Services Administration to submit annual progress reports to congressional committees detailing implementation and expenditures. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill places new planning and reporting requirements on federal agencies regarding property management.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in cities be better off under this? — The bill targets heat island effects primarily found in urban areas, potentially lowering ambient air temperatures and reducing pedestrian heat exposure.
- 11/10/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/15/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Gilbert CisnerosDemocrat · California
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Paul TonkoDemocrat · New York