New York State is expanding efforts to help residents cope with extreme heat, announcing new investments in cooling centers, public green spaces, and home cooling assistance programs.
The initiatives are part of the state’s Extreme Heat Action Plan, launched by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2024 to address the growing impacts of heat waves and other extreme heat events.
State officials said the plan focuses on protecting vulnerable populations, particularly those living in disadvantaged communities that face higher risks from extreme heat.
Among the efforts underway are investments in parks, playgrounds, public pools, and other outdoor spaces designed to provide cooler environments for residents. New funding is also available to help communities create or improve public cooling spaces.
The state is expanding access to cooling centers through a new Community Resilience Hub grant program, which received $10 million in the state budget. The New York State Department of Health has also issued updated guidance for cooling centers. At the same time, the Department of Environmental Conservation has provided funding for local cooling centers and heat emergency planning.
Officials also highlighted programs aimed at helping residents stay cool at home. The state’s Essential Plan Cooling Program has expanded eligibility this year, allowing more individuals with qualifying medical conditions to receive free air conditioners. The program complements the assistance available through the Home Energy Assistance Program’s cooling benefit.
Additional measures include utility protections that prevent service shutoffs during extreme heat events and workplace safety initiatives designed to protect workers from heat-related illnesses.
State agencies are also developing new planning tools to help communities identify areas most vulnerable to extreme heat and guide future investments in cooling infrastructure.
Officials said the latest investments represent the second year of implementation of the Extreme Heat Action Plan and are intended to improve public health, strengthen community resilience, and reduce heat-related risks across New York.
