The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is revamping its approach to rebuilding after floods by taking climate change into account. The agency, as part of a directive from President Joe Biden, is moving away from the traditional 100-year floodplain standard to a more climate-resilient strategy. This new rule will require FEMA to assess future flood risks based on climate science, leading to the construction of higher-elevated and better-fortified buildings.
By factoring in sea-level rise and intensified erosion, FEMA aims to break the cycle of repetitive destruction and reconstruction that has cost billions of taxpayer dollars over the years. This shift will result in structures being built farther from water bodies and, in some cases, raised on stilts or pilings to reduce flood damage.
Under the updated rule, FEMA will integrate current and projected changes in flooding patterns due to climate change. This proactive approach will not only enhance resilience in flood-prone communities but also save taxpayer dollars in the long run by preventing future damages.
While this stricter standard may incur additional costs for FEMA in the short term, the agency estimates that the investment will pay off by preventing extensive damages over the next six decades. The Biden administration’s rule change builds on past attempts to update floodplain standards and is expected to withstand challenges, ensuring a more climate-resilient approach to rebuilding after disasters.
Local jurisdictions that have already updated their floodplain standards, like Houston post-Hurricane Harvey, have seen positive results in mitigating flood damage. These proactive measures can protect communities from future flooding events and reduce the overall financial burden on both federal and local governments.
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