Disaster Response & Preparedness
Presidential Executive Orders
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January 24, 2025 (W.H. Link) -The executive order establishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council, tasked with analyzing FEMA's efficacy and recommending improvements. The Council, comprising federal and private sector representatives, will evaluate FEMA's disaster response capabilities, its coordination with state and local agencies, and its historical role. It will also address allegations of political bias and mission drift.
Key directives include producing a report on FEMA's performance, comparing it to state and private sector efforts, and assessing FEMA's role as a supplemental rather than a primary disaster relief agency. The Council will seek public input, hold its first meeting within 90 days, and submit findings within 180 days. The Council is set to disband after one year unless extended.
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January 24, 2025 (W.H. Link) - This executive order addresses the recent catastrophic wildfires in California and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, with a focus on improving disaster response, providing federal assistance, and addressing policy inefficiencies.
Three Core Priorities
Support for California Wildfire Recovery:
Federal intervention to ensure adequate water resources for fighting and preventing wildfires in Southern California.
Overriding state and local policies deemed harmful to disaster management and water resource allocation.
Immediate and long-term solutions for housing displaced families and expediting waste removal.
National Interest in Disaster Recovery:
Prioritizing effective and responsive policies to assist disaster-affected Americans in rebuilding and regaining their livelihoods.
Addressing inefficiencies and promoting better land and water management practices.
Enhanced Response to Hurricane Helene in North Carolina:
Accelerated clearing and rebuilding of roads, including Interstate 40 and private property infrastructure.
Rapid implementation of housing strategies for displaced families.
Actions to Address California Wildfires:
Overriding California Policies:
Federal agencies (Interior, Commerce, Agriculture, Defense, Homeland Security) tasked with maximizing water delivery and hydropower, bypassing state interference when necessary.
Streamlining compliance with environmental regulations (NEPA, ESA) to expedite water infrastructure projects.
Review of Federal Programs:
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to assess federal programs and financial assistance impacting California’s water management and disaster response.
Identification of California policies inconsistent with effective disaster prevention and response.
Expedited Support for Recovery:
Immediate housing strategies for wildfire survivors.
Rapid removal of debris to facilitate rebuilding.
Investigation into misuse of federal preparedness grants by Los Angeles, ensuring timely and appropriate use of funds.
Actions to Address Hurricane Helene in North Carolina:
Infrastructure and Recovery Support:
Clearing blocked roads and rebuilding essential infrastructure to accelerate recovery.
Providing federal assistance through loans and direct measures for road repair, including private property.
Housing for Displaced Families:
Coordinated federal housing strategy for those displaced by the hurricane.
Implementation and Oversight:
Agency Coordination:
Federal agencies directed to collaborate and report on regulatory hurdles impeding disaster recovery projects.
Agencies must propose plans to revise or rescind burdensome regulations while adhering to legal compliance.
Focus on Accountability:
Reviews of state compliance with federal grants and proposals for stricter terms on future financial assistance.
Investigation into misuse of funds and corrective actions.
Timeline:
Immediate reporting and action deadlines, including within 5–30 days for specific tasks such as waste removal and regulatory review.