New FEMA Requirements Will Better Prepare Communities for Climate Change Risks
WASHINGTON (March 13, 2015) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Thursday it finalized new policy guidance requiring states to consider climate change’s projected effects when they plan and prepare for natural disasters.
Following is a statement from Becky Hammer, staff attorney with the Water Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council:
“When it comes to climate change, we can’t just sit back and watch the waters rise or the forests burn. Fortunately, FEMA followed through on its important, forward-thinking commitment to ensure states are as prepared as possible for climate change’s most disastrous effects. This will save lives, protect property and make American communities much more resilient.
“Now the hard work begins in 50 state capitals. To better protect families, tightened budgets and each state’s unique way of life, states must take a much more active role in analyzing, identifying and preparing for increased climate risks.”
For more information on NRDC’s engagement on this issue, the following background information may be useful:
New blog today from Becky Hammer:
http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/rhammer/fema_finalizes_new_requirement.html
Previous posts by Becky on this issue:
http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/rhammer/fema_must_require_states_to_pl.html
http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/rhammer/fema_promises_to_revise_state.html