Washington, DC – Today, November 5, the SmarterSafer coalition endorsed the Build for Future Disasters Act, introduced in Congress by Representative Scott Peters (D-CA) and Representative Andy Barr (R-KY). In response to the legislation, the coalition released the following statement:
We are proud to endorse the Build for Future Disasters Act. Thank you to Rep. Peters and Rep. Barr for your leadership in promoting meaningful reform to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). By encouraging responsible construction practices based on accurate levels of flood risk, we can create more resilient communities in flood-prone areas across the country. Similar to the Coalition-endorsed Flood Resiliency and Taxpayer Savings Act, this legislation will protect American lives and property while saving taxpayer dollars by reducing post-disaster recovery costs. These reforms will better prepare us for more active storm seasons, rising sea levels, and other risks posing a threat to the NFIP and the nation. We are committed to working with policymakers to advance these smarter, safer flood policies.
Earlier this year, the SmarterSafer Coalition released a climate policy paper, Policy Solutions for a Changing Climate: Adaptation Measures to Protect Communities and Taxpayers. The paper details policy recommendations regarding flooding, infrastructure, housing, pre-disaster mitigation, and taxpayer protection and risk transfer. Read the full paper here.
SmarterSafer is a national coalition made up of a diverse chorus of voices united in favor of environmentally responsible, fiscally sound approaches to natural catastrophe policy that promote public safety. SmarterSafer members include taxpayer advocates, environmental groups, insurance interests, housing organizations, and mitigation advocates.
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