 Energy & Environment |
Energy & Environment |
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FEMA unveils new rules for buildings in flood zones |
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced finalized rules used to guide federal agencies on how to manage flood risks across the country.
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The new FEMA rules finalized Wednesday will factor in projected future sea level rise in flood risk estimates. And under the new rules, construction using FEMA funds must either elevate the structures above projected flooding or relocate the site to a safer area. - The Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) requires agencies to develop resilience and flood protection plans for federally funded projects and buildings, including necessary building dimensions to protect from flooding risks.
- The initial rule was proposed under the Obama administration before the Trump administration withdrew it. The agency resumed drafting the rule following an executive order from President Biden.
- Under the finalized rule, FEMA will also cover any applicable federal costs for implementing the standards. The standard also applies to projects involving safeguards against flooding, such as structural elevations.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said on a call with reporters that the standards will require participants to account for "current, foreseeable and future flood threats." Another official said the standard will increase the number of feet structures can be elevated and broaden floodplains. It will also allow the consideration of future flooding threats, rather than relying solely on currently existing risks. "Taking forward-looking, effective steps to increase resilience before disaster strikes will save lives, property, critical infrastructure, and taxpayer money," Mayorkas said in a statement. "The Federal Flood Risk Management Standard ensures that FEMA-funded projects meet that mandate. We cannot be passive as climate change threatens the safety and security of the American people and our homeland." Read more in a full report at TheHill.com. |
Welcome to The Hill's Energy & Environment newsletter, we're Rachel Frazin and Zack Budryk — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains. |
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How policy will affect the energy and environment sectors now and in the future: |
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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan clashed with conservative firebrand Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) during a tense House hearing — asking her if she understood the Supreme Court's ruling that overturned a legal precedent known as the Chevron deference. |
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After a wet spring season furnished fuels for the fires now raging across California, emergency personnel expressed confidence Wednesday in the state’s ability to battle the blazes. |
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President Biden blamed the federal government’s delay in releasing aid to Texas in response to Hurricane Beryl on state leaders, saying they did not make a formal request for a major disaster declaration. |
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Branch out with a different read on The Hill: |
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INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The remnants of Hurricane Beryl dropped tornadoes and threatened flooding Wednesday as the system churned into Canada and the northeastern U.S. after leaving millions in the Houston area without power. |
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News we've flagged from other outlets touching on energy issues, the environment and other topics: |
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Northeastern states enter agreement to improve grid, ease transition to clean energy (The Maine Morning Star)
To Protect Giant Sequoias, They Lit a Fire (The New York Times) This Is Why New York City Subway Platforms Aren't Air Conditioned (Jalopnik)
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Two key stories on The Hill right now: |
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A judge signaled he'll dismiss Rudy Giuliani's bankruptcy after a chaotic hearing Wednesday in which the judge at one point threatened to cut off the ex-New York City mayor's microphone for interjecting. Read more |
| George Clooney, who just last month hosted a star-studded fundraiser for President Biden’s campaign, is reversing course, saying Democrats are “not going to win in November with this president.” Read more |
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You're all caught up. See you tomorrow! |
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