WASHINGTON (October 23, 2019)—Rep. Yvette D. Clarke of New York introduced a bill today that would require Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) policies and programs to reflect the latest climate science—a move that would help communities become more resilient to climate change, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
Below is a statement by Rachel Cleetus, the policy director for the Climate and Energy Program at UCS.
“FEMA’s role in helping the country prepare for climate change can’t be understated. It plays a critical role assisting communities as they rebuild from natural disasters, which are getting increasingly worse because of climate change. In fact, this is the fifth consecutive year in which the United States has endured 10 or more “billion-dollar” weather and climate disaster events—an unprecedented trend.
“Too often, FEMA allows communities to rebuild in ways that set them up to be devasted all over again when the next natural disaster strikes. This legislation would put an end to that practice by mandating that FEMA’s programs and plans reflect the latest climate science. This would ensure that communities are better protected and that taxpayer dollars, which fund disaster assistance, are used wisely. When rebuilding after a hurricane, if a town’s vulnerability to flooding has expanded because of sea level rise, FEMA would guide the community to elevate buildings or put in place incentives for setbacks to rebuild farther from the shoreline.
“Under this legislation, FEMA also would be obligated to assist state, local and private partners in preparing for climate change risks before disaster strikes. For example, FEMA could provide grants to municipalities to create maps showing areas at risk of flooding due to sea level rise, set aside tidal areas to serve as buffer strips, and conduct analyses on how rainfall volume may change over time.
“This bill also would create a climate change subcommittee, serving under FEMA’s National Advisory Council, with diverse public and private sector representation to advise FEMA on how best to incorporate climate change into its work. This includes ensuring that the needs of those on the ground, especially communities that may be disproportionately impacted by climate impacts, are given adequate consideration.
“This legislation comes on the heels of FEMA producing scores of documents, including its strategic plan and National Mitigation Investment Strategy, that make no mention of climate change.”