The Facts
- As 180M Americans are under heat watches or warnings, US Pres. Biden announced measures on Thursday to try to tackle the effects of extreme heat. Major east coast cities, such as Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington DC, were under heat emergencies on Thursday.
- Biden said new the policies would protect workers, improve access to drinking water, and enhance forecasting.
- Biden said during the White House press conference that heat is the primary cause of weather-related deaths in the world, with 600 dying annually in the US alone from heat-related events — more than floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes combined. Biden also tied the heatwaves to climate change.
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The Spin
Democratic narrative
Climate change is real and is here, as large parts of the US are baking in a record heat wave. Pres. Biden called the Dept. of Labor to implement the new heat standard for outdoor workers — something desperately needed after the unconscionable Texas ruling. Employers must provide shade, water, and paid breaks. Biden's plan will ensure they do.
Republican narrative
In Texas, the move to alter local water break regulations simply streamlined a patchwork of local laws and cut red tape for private businesses. That law also wouldn't have stopped workers from taking breaks altogether. Even as Biden tries to enact policies about the heat, this administration has to tie it to climate wokeness and overbearing federal government oversight.
Metaculus Prediction
Public Figures
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