Trump administration’s plan intentionally eliminates ability to prepare for next flood

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today news broke that the Trump administration halted a policy, the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard, that saves taxpayer dollars and protects lives and blocked funding for two programs–the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program and the Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program–that support local communities seeking to reduce risks to storms, floods and fires.

"Preparing for the next flood is the bare minimum. But the Trump administration's plan for disasters intentionally eliminates our ability even to do that," said Joanna Slaney, AVP for Political Affairs at Environmental Defense Fund. "Because of this administration's actions, roads, schools, hospitals and other crucial services we rely on during emergencies will be rebuilt in the way of floods. Taxpayer money will be wasted on the wrong things. People will end up in harm's way. The plan is a disaster waiting to happen."

Climate-driven disasters are incredibly costly and deadly for people across the U.S. Last year, there were 27 billion-dollar disasters in the U.S. The total economic cost of those disasters was at least $182.7 billion. 568 people died in those disasters. Proactive investments in climate resilience can reduce the human and economic toll of disasters; for every $1 of resilience investments made, taxpayers save more than $6 on future recovery costs.

When disasters strike, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) coordination functions are essential for effective disaster recovery and response. After federally declared disasters, states lead the recovery process, while FEMA plays a critical logistical and coordinating role to get federal resources on the ground, provide accurate and timely information to those affected and work closely with other agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate further relief efforts.