FEMA nears disaster fund crisis as hurricanes drain resources

FEMA has already used nearly half of its disaster budget for 2025, prompting potential cuts to rebuilding efforts unless Congress approves additional funding.

Thomas Frank and Anne C. Mulkern report for POLITICO.

In short:

FEMA has spent $9 billion of its $20 billion disaster fund only eight days into the fiscal year, with Hurricanes Helene and Milton adding pressure.
Without more funding, FEMA may halt non-essential projects, focusing only on life-saving operations, as it did in previous budget shortages.
The Small Business Administration also faces funding shortfalls, risking delays for low-interest loans to disaster-affected individuals.

Key quote:

“We keep a reserve in the Disaster Relief Fund to make sure I can always cover these life-saving activities.”

— Deanne Criswell, FEMA Administrator

Why this matters:

FEMA's rapidly depleting funds threaten the recovery of communities hit by disasters like hurricanes. Without action, essential repairs to infrastructure like roads and water systems could be delayed for months.

For more: FEMA faces potential funding shortfall amid increasing natural disasters

www.politico.com

FEMA nears disaster fund crisis as hurricanes drain resources

Canada announces new methane emission standards for oil and gas sector

Here's the global playbook being used to crack down on climate protest

Greenpeace’s fight with pipeline giant exposes a legal loophole

Ultra-processed diets drive obesity and climate change — but solutions are within reach

India's Parliament approves bill to open civil nuclear power sector to private firms

The year the US doubled down on critical minerals

The brawl over the Colorado River is about more than water

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.