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Newsletter
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Disaster funds for heat waves and wildfire smoke face hurdles
As heat waves and wildfire smoke emergencies rise, states struggle to access federal aid due to unclear disaster definitions.
In short:
- Heat waves and wildfire smoke aren’t listed as “major disasters” under FEMA’s guidelines, complicating funding requests.
- States face difficulties in documenting costs and meeting FEMA's requirements for disaster declarations.
- A coalition of states and organizations is pushing for policy changes to recognize heat and smoke as major disasters.
Key quote:
“Our disaster framework is really geared toward protecting property and counting up damages to property.”
— Juanita Constible, senior climate and health advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council
Why this matters:
Heat waves and wildfire smoke, exacerbated by climate change, cause significant health impacts and economic losses. Recognizing these events as major disasters could unlock essential federal aid for affected communities.
Related EHN coverage:
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The US funds lithium mining, risking water supplies
Federal funding for lithium mining under the Inflation Reduction Act is raising concerns about environmental impacts on water supplies.
In short:
- The Inflation Reduction Act and other federal programs provide significant funding for lithium mining to meet the demand for electric vehicle batteries.
- Lithium mining methods, such as brine evaporation and hard rock mining, pose substantial risks to groundwater supplies and biodiversity.
- Local communities and environmentalists are opposing new mining projects, fearing long-term ecological damage and threats to sacred Indigenous sites.
Key quote:
"We need lithium as a part of our transition off of fossil fuels, but it can’t come at the expense of biodiversity or our most precious protected areas."
— Patrick Donnelly, Center for Biological Diversity
Why this matters:
Increased lithium mining is critical for the energy transition, but it threatens water resources and ecosystems, especially in arid regions. Effective regulations and alternative battery technologies are needed to balance environmental concerns with energy needs.
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Biden administration invests $4.3 billion in local climate initiatives
The Biden administration has announced $4.3 billion in funding for community climate projects, aiming to enhance local sustainability efforts and reduce emissions.
In short:
- The Environmental Protection Agency is distributing $4.3 billion to 25 recipients in 30 states for climate action projects.
- Projects include forest management, energy efficiency, and developing local climate action plans.
- The funding is part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, aiming to cut carbon emissions significantly by 2050.
Key quote:
“The grants put local governments in the driver’s seat to develop climate solutions that work for their communities.”
— John Podesta, president’s senior adviser for international climate policy
Why this matters:
This funding will help communities transition to cleaner energy, potentially reducing carbon emissions equivalent to the energy use of millions of homes. It also supports job creation and sustainable development, setting a precedent for future climate initiatives.
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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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Virginia's bid for federal funds to curb pollution and promote green solutions
In a bid for federal support, Virginia aims to secure funds for initiatives addressing pollution and greenhouse gases, signaling a shift toward cleaner energy and transportation.
In short:
- Virginia seeks millions in federal funding to tackle pollution and emissions, focusing on electrifying transportation and buildings.
- The state's Priority Climate Action Plan outlines ambitious strategies, with community feedback shaping its priorities.
- Both state and local governments are eligible to apply for grants from the Inflation Reduction Act, with a total of $4.6 billion allocated for climate initiatives.
Key quote:
"We're targeting real climate solutions that are going to make progress in Virginia."
— Garret Gee, senior attorney, Southern Environmental Law Center
Why this matters:
Competition for federal resources is fierce, with states across the nation vying for a piece of the environmental funding pie. In this landscape of fiscal competition, Virginia must articulate a compelling case for why it deserves a share of the funds and demonstrate a commitment to implementing impactful solutions to address environmental concerns.
Will the Inflation Reduction Act mark the time when fossil fuels begin to fossilize?
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Democratic governors vie for climate funding under Biden's signature climate law
Democratic governors are unveiling ambitious climate plans to compete for federal funds, aiming to shape a greener future.
In short:
- Governors are proposing varied strategies to reduce emissions and embrace clean energy, leveraging the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Plans include incentives for renewable energy, building decarbonization, and the adoption of hydrogen and electric transportation.
- The competition not only seeks to address climate change but also positions governors as future leaders in the Democratic Party.
Key quote:
"We’re getting a snapshot of what’s on the table in each state."
— Irene Nielson, Natural Resources Defense Council.
Why this matters:
Across the United States, states are taking diverse and innovative steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reflecting a commitment to combat climate change even in the absence of strong federal mandates. These targets are part of broader climate action plans that detail how states intend to achieve their goals, including resilience strategies, clean energy targets, and economic and social objectives.
California will soon have the largest oil drilling setbacks in the U.S. Experts say other states can learn from this move.
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Wildlife refuges face budget cuts, risking operations and conservation efforts
In a recent funding resolution, wildlife refuges across the nation are confronting a significant $14 million budget cut, endangering visitor centers, wildlife management, and the already limited number of wildlife officers.
In short:
- The Senate's approval of a temporary funding resolution falls short for wildlife refuges, leading to potential closures and reduced wildlife management.
- Wildlife refuges, essential for species conservation and climate change adaptation, struggle with inadequate funding, affecting their operation and maintenance.
- Comparison with the National Park Service highlights the disparity in funding and attention, despite the crucial role of wildlife refuges in conservation.
Key quote:
“We were hoping for at least flat. But for them to take a 2.6% cut when we’re already heavily underfunded is going to create additional problems.”
— Mike Leahy, National Wildlife Federation’s senior director of wildlife, hunting and fishing policy
Why this matters:
This funding shortfall comes at a time when the importance of natural lands for climate change adaptation is increasingly recognized. The budget cuts to wildlife refuges not only undermine conservation efforts and public access but also highlight a larger issue of resource allocation and prioritization at the federal level, affecting both the environment and public health.
In 2020, Peter Dykstra wrote that a long-dormant threat to the Okefenokee wildlife refuge—a vast, mostly protected wetland straddling the Georgia–Florida border—had roared back to life.
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