Across the country, federal infrastructure and taxpayer-funded projects face growing risks from flooding due to a changing climate. The Congressional Budget Office predicts damage from flooding will increase between 25% and 33% by 2050. Prior administrations recognized these risks and implemented the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard, directing the government to account for future flood risk in taking any federal action, including by making long-term investments. However, the standard was established via executive order and has been repeatedly created and rescinded by subsequent administrations.
To ensure long-term resilience and provide certainty for federal agencies, local planners, and private investors, this standard needs the durability that only legislation can provide. The Federal Flood Risk Management Act would codify this national standard to ensure federal infrastructure projects are built to survive both today and in the future.
Specifically, the bill:
- Sets a strong flood standard for federally backed infrastructure. Any infrastructure project using federal money, including improvements and repairs, must be built to withstand flood risks over the entire lifetime of the infrastructure.
- Directs agencies to use the best available science. When agencies decide where and how to build, they must consider the latest data on how flood risks are changing due to climate change.
- Uses nature to protect federal investments. Whenever possible, agencies are directed to use natural solutions like wetlands and green spaces to soak up water and protect the environment while managing flood risk.
Rep. Mullin introduced the bill in the House, and Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), reintroduced the companion bill in the Senate. The text of the bill is available here.