Dear Friend,
Climate-fueled disasters are becoming more intense, more frequent, and more deadly. Worst of all, we are not prepared.
Nearly two years ago, Congress enacted the single largest investment in clean energy made by any government, anywhere, at any time. This law is vital to the transition to a green economy. But we must do more to prepare our communities for the devastating impacts of the climate crisis we are already experiencing right now. To save lives, we need to invest in climate resilience.
That’s why, in 2021, I unveiled a comprehensive report detailing specific actions the federal government should take to equip communities with the tools they need to mitigate their risk before disaster strikes. Building on the report, I introduced legislation to ensure the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can respond to the reality of disasters in the 21st century. It would require FEMA to issue guidance to states and localities on extreme temperature events like the heat wave we are experiencing this week. This forces communities to have a plan for deadly temperature events just like they would earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods.
Just last week, I urged the Biden-Harris Administration to make extreme heat and wildfire smoke events eligible for FEMA’s major disaster declarations, unlocking resources for communities overwhelmed by deadly heat and wildfire smoke.
Oregonians are all too familiar with these disasters. In 2020, our state had the largest wildfire in the country—big enough to create its own weather systems and send smoke cross-country. That summer, Portland had the worst air quality of any major city in the world. The following year, a multi-day heat dome broke our all-time heat record. Our infrastructure literally began to melt.
The federal government has been far too reactive, rather than proactive, in the face of climate disasters, often with deadly consequences. I will continue to champion policies that prepare us for the next disaster and invest in climate resilience in my final six months in Congress. Investing in climate resilience can’t wait.
