California's housing officials have recommended lawmakers establish indoor cooling standards amidst rising extreme heat fatalities. A report suggests a maximum indoor temperature of 82 degrees for residential units statewide, responding to increasing heat-related health concerns. While some cities have their cooling guidelines, California could set the nation's most rigorous standards. In light of recent record temperatures and the likely escalation of extreme weather incidents, this proposal aims to mitigate heat stress impacts, particularly on vulnerable populations like the elderly and young children. Despite the apparent need, the proposal faces resistance from developers worried about costs of upgrades.
"This is a big deal," said C.J. Gabbe, an associate professor of environmental studies at Santa Clara University. "We're seeing more and more concerns about the increase in heat-related morbidity and mortality in California...".
Last year was the planet's warmest on record, and extreme weather is becoming more frequent and severe, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Even though most heat deaths and illnesses are preventable, about 1,220 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
State law protects renters in the winter by requiring all rental residential dwelling units to include functioning heating equipment that can keep the indoor temperature at a minimum of 70 degrees, but there...
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