Washington, DC – June 7, 2022 – The SmarterSafer Coalition issued the following statement in support of the Biden-Harris administration’s initiative to modernize federal building codes as part of their efforts to tackle climate change:
“While long-term climate targets are crucial to protecting our communities over the long run, this new initiative will reduce the cost of property damage and utility fees, and importantly, save lives, now. The advancement of this legislation is an encouraging step towards securing the homes of our most at-risk communities.
Specifically, this initiative will aid in state, local, Tribal and territorial governments’ efforts to adopt the latest and most effective building requirements to endure the damages of wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other extreme weather events fueled by climate change. It will aid in design and infrastructure reinforcement, bring about a new Building Codes Strategy from FEMA to protect our most vulnerable communities, and be applied to all rebuilding projects, as well as new construction.
This piece of legislation comes at the start of the 2022 hurricane season, expected to be above average in activity and scope with a projected 14-21 named storms that threaten the livelihood of coastal communities and properties. This is a crucial step in reducing the overall effects of climate change. SmarterSafer applauds all efforts that prioritize pre-disaster mitigation to protect our communities and save taxpayer dollars.”
Read the full initiative 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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