California to create first statewide extreme heat ranking and warning system

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - On Friday, September 9, California Governor Gavin Newsom a legislation to establish the first-in-the-nation statewide extreme heat wave and warning system.

According to a press release, the legislation was the brainchild of Assembly members Luz Rivas (D-Arleta) and Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella), and Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, who sponsored the legislation.

As for why he signed the legislation, Gov. Newsom said:

“When extreme heat strikes, it strikes deadly. Establishing a first-in-the-nation statewide extreme heat ranking and advance warning system will help California better protect environmentally vulnerable communities, like the Coachella Valley and Imperial County, and importantly save lives,” said legislation joint author, Assembly member Eduardo Garcia. “As California continues to lead climate change action, we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Assembly member Luz Rivas and Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara on this lifesaving legislation.”

In addition, Gov. Newsom spoke on the importance of dealing with heat waves in California:

“Extreme heat is a matter of life and death in my district. This public health emergency disproportionately impacts communities like ours, where extreme heat strikes as a silent killer and heat-related deaths are too often underreported. Our statewide extreme heat ranking and advance warning system will help us to better prepare and respond to deadly extreme heat threats.”

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