Rosen Urges Dept. of Health and Human Services, FEMA to Respond to Extreme Heat Emergency in Nevada

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen sent a letter urging the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to increase efforts to ensure Nevada has the resources to respond to extreme heat. There were more than 500 heat-related deaths across Nevada in 2024, and the state has already experienced the hottest day of 2026. At the same time, mass firings of experienced workers at both FEMA and the Department of Health and Human Services have made it harder for these agencies to respond to emergencies in a timely manner.

"I write today about the devastating effects of extreme heat across Nevada and urge you to take immediate actions that ensure communities have the resources they need to respond to extreme heat and protect the public health and safety of Nevadans. Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the United States, and in Nevada alone, more than 500 people died from heat-related deaths in 2024," wrote Senator Rosen. "These extremely high temperatures threaten the health and safety of Nevada families and require a coordinated approach across all levels of government, including making resources available at HHS and FEMA for mitigating the effects of extreme heat."

"Reports that extreme heat experts have been laid off across federal agencies, including at the CDC, and that critical funding that supports heat-related alert systems and response efforts have been cancelled are incredibly concerning," continued the Senator. "If true, I urge you to reverse course and ensure key resources and qualified personnel are available to communities so they can make informed decisions about and respond to extreme heat events."

Read the full letter HERE.

As extreme weather conditions become more prevalent and dangerous, Senator Rosen has made it a priority to ensure that Nevada has the resources it needs to handle weather emergencies. In May, Senator Rosen introduced a bipartisan bill to help protect drinking water infrastructure during extreme heat emergencies. She also helped deliver over $3.5 million in federal funding to disaster mitigation and emergency planning projects across Nevada. Last year, Senator Rosen introduced a bill to declare extreme heat as a major disaster, which would make affected communities eligible for federal emergency resources.

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