H.R. 4737 — what changed

“321. Climate change research and development

changed “(a) In general—The Under Secretary for Science and Technology shall—Technology—

changed “(1) research and shall evaluate existing Federal research regarding approaches to mitigate the consequence of climate change on homeland security to identify areas for additional research and development pursuant to paragraph (2) with respect to—

“(A) any connection between climate change and homeland security, including how the resulting competition for resources, economic distress, and social discontent has contributed to, among other outcomes, acts of terrorism;

“(B) the degree to which climate change is reflected in terrorism preparedness and emergency planning and policies, including with respect to preparedness, response to, and recovery from natural disasters; and

“(C) the degree to which the Federal funding structure to respond to major disaster declarations and emergency declarations is adequately structured to meet the demands of responding to and recovering from acts of terrorism and natural disasters that are aggravated by climate change; and

changed “(2) shall shall, to the extent practicable, conduct research and development on approaches to mitigate the consequences of climate change on homeland security in response to finding pursuant to paragraph (1).

“(b) Scope—The scope of the research and development under subsection (a)(2) shall include the following:

“(1) Any connection between climate change and homeland security, including how the resulting competition for resources, economic distress, and social discontent can contribute to, among other outcomes, acts of terrorism.

“(2) The degree to which climate change is reflected in terrorism preparedness and emergency planning and policies, including with respect to preparedness, response to, and recovery from natural disasters.

“(3) The degree to which the Federal funding structure to respond to major disaster declarations and emergency declarations is adequately structured to meet the demands of responding to and recovering from acts of terrorism and natural disasters that are aggravated by climate change.

“(c) Consultation—In carrying out this section, the Under Secretary for Science and Technology shall consult with the heads of other relevant agencies and departments of the Federal Government, first responders, and relevant owners and operators of critical infrastructure.

“(d) Climate change defined—The term “climate change” refers to detectable changes in one or more climate system components that is directly or indirectly attributed to—

“(1) human activity; and

changed “(2) altering the composition of the global atmosphere.atmosphere.”

removed “(e) Report to Congress—On an annual basis, the Under Secretary for Science and Technology shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report on research and development activities under subsection (a), including completed and ongoing research projects.”