Three House Democrats have raised concerns about the government’s readiness for future flood disasters and extreme weather events. Representatives Kathy Castor, Suzanne Bonamici, and Don Beyer have sent a letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Army Corps of Engineers, urging them to address the growing frequency of extreme precipitation events caused by climate change.
In their letter, the lawmakers highlighted the devastating impact of recent extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Harvey and the historic flooding in the Midwest. They also noted that these events are becoming more frequent and severe due to the changing climate.
The three representatives expressed their concern that the federal weather services may not be adequately prepared to handle the increasing frequency of extreme precipitation events. They called on the NOAA and Army Corps of Engineers to provide details on how they plan to adapt their services to address this growing threat.
“We are deeply concerned about the potential consequences of the federal government’s lack of preparedness for extreme precipitation events,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter. “As we continue to see more frequent and severe weather events, it is imperative that our federal weather services are equipped to handle these challenges.”
The NOAA is responsible for providing accurate weather forecasts and warnings to the public, while the Army Corps of Engineers plays a critical role in managing flood risk and protecting communities from flooding. The lawmakers are calling on these agencies to work together to develop a comprehensive plan to address the impacts of climate change on extreme precipitation events.
“We must ensure that our federal agencies are working together to develop strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change on extreme weather events,” the letter stated. “This includes investing in infrastructure and technology to improve our ability to predict and respond to these events.”
The lawmakers also emphasized the need for collaboration with state and local governments, as well as community organizations, to effectively prepare for and respond to extreme weather events. They stressed the importance of incorporating climate change considerations into disaster planning and response efforts.
“We must take a proactive approach to address the impacts of climate change on extreme weather events,” the letter stated. “This includes working closely with state and local governments, as well as community organizations, to develop comprehensive strategies that prioritize the safety and well-being of our communities.”
The letter from the three House Democrats comes at a time when the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident. The frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as floods, hurricanes, and wildfires, have been on the rise in recent years.
It is crucial for the federal government to take action and prepare for these events to protect the lives and livelihoods of Americans. The lawmakers’ call for a detailed plan from the NOAA and Army Corps of Engineers is a step in the right direction towards addressing the impacts of climate change on extreme precipitation events.
In response to the letter, a spokesperson for the NOAA stated that the agency is committed to addressing the impacts of climate change and is working closely with the Army Corps of Engineers to develop strategies to adapt to extreme weather events.
The spokesperson also highlighted the importance of investing in advanced technologies and infrastructure to improve the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasts and warnings.
The letter from Representatives Castor, Bonamici, and Beyer serves as a reminder that the government must take proactive measures to address the impacts of climate change. It is essential to work together and prioritize the safety and well-being of our communities in the face of increasing extreme weather events. Let us hope that the NOAA and Army Corps of Engineers will take swift action to address these concerns and protect our nation from the effects of climate change.
