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Labor and environmental groups push FEMA to classify extreme heat as a major disaster
A coalition of labor, environmental, and healthcare organizations is urging FEMA to classify extreme heat and wildfire smoke as major disasters, aiming to unlock federal funds for community protection and worker safety.
In short:
- More than 60 groups filed a petition for FEMA to classify extreme heat and wildfire smoke as major disasters.
- The move is supported by major labor unions aiming to protect outdoor workers and those without air-conditioning during heat waves.
- Previous attempts to classify heat waves as disasters were denied, but petitioners cite the precedent of COVID-19's disaster declaration to bolster their case.
Key quote:
“We are never going to be able to address the changing climate or threats to the future under the existing system.”
— Brock Long, FEMA administrator during the Trump administration
Why this matters:
Extreme heat kills more people in the U.S. annually than hurricanes and floods combined. Recognizing heat as a major disaster would improve public health protections and infrastructure resilience. Read more: We are undercounting heat-related deaths in the US.
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FEMA faces potential funding shortfall amid increasing natural disasters
With hurricanes and heat waves growing more severe, FEMA's funding might deplete before summer's end.
In short:
- Record-high ocean temperatures predict an intense hurricane season with up to 25 named storms and 4-7 major hurricanes.
- FEMA's disaster relief fund is projected to face a $1.3 billion shortfall by August and could be $6.8 billion in deficit by September.
- The agency may need to pause long-term recovery projects to manage immediate disaster responses, impacting overall disaster management.
Key quote:
"Without additional funding, FEMA will take steps prior to funding exhaustion to ensure resources are available to support ongoing lifesaving and life-sustaining activities."
— FEMA spokesperson
Why this matters:
The rising intensity of these weather events has stretched FEMA's resources thin. Just last year, the agency grappled with a series of devastating hurricanes and wildfires, and this year's forecasts suggest more of the same. With hurricane season in full swing and unprecedented heat waves scorching the nation, FEMA's budget, which must cover immediate disaster response and long-term recovery efforts, is under immense strain.
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FEMA to cover costs of energy resilient post-disaster projects
The federal government plans to reimburse state and local governments that rebuild damaged public buildings to be more energy resilient.
Credit: John McQuaid/Flickr
FEMA overhauled a disaster aid program. Environmental justice communities could benefit most
Black Americans are more likely to live in flood zones and the majority of applicants for federal disaster aid are “lower income.” A new rule could help by streamlining applications.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
As climate shocks worsen, FEMA tries a new approach to aid
The Biden administration is overhauling the country’s disaster assistance programs, expanding aid for survivors of hurricanes, wildfires and other catastrophes and making it easier to access.
Credit: Jenni Konrad/Flickr/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/
The billion-dollar industry between you and FEMA's flood insurance
Cutting payments to brokers, or selling policies directly to consumers, could save millions. FEMA says it’s not quite that straightforward.
Newsletter
Photo by Library of Congress on Unsplash
FEMA forced to restrict disaster spending because of low funds
From now on, the money will be used only for “critical response efforts” and not rebuilding.
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