Washington, DC – May 27, 2021 — The SmarterSafer Coalition issued the following statement in response to the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast announced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):
“The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting an active 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. Of the 17 predicted storms, over half are expected to become major hurricanes.
Our nation’s current infrastructure is not built to withstand another potentially destructive Atlantic hurricane season. As coastal communities continue to face stronger and more frequent storms, we need to pursue and implement long-term solutions that adequately address the impacts of climate change.”
The SmarterSafer Coalition urges policy makers at all levels of government to consider policy proposals that put the health and safety of our communities first. As such, SmarterSafer wishes to highlight the following measures to promote pre-disaster mitigation:
- S.1688, the Flood Risk Management Act, to reinstitute and codify a federal flood protection standard to require federally funded infrastructure projects to adequately account for flood risks.
- S. 1282, the Built to Last Act, to improve infrastructure resiliency by ensuring the developing organizations that establish building codes have access to forward-looking meteorological information.
- H.R. 2632, the Build for Future Disasters Act, to eliminate any subsidies for flood insurance coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program for new construction, and for other purposes.
- H.R. 481, the Flood Resiliency and Taxpayer Savings Act, to safeguard taxpayer resources and strengthen the Nation’s resilience against severe storms and flooding.
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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