Senator Van Hollen Criticizes FEMA Cuts and Termination of BRIC Program

Climate Change and Federal Investments

• ⚠️ The Trump administration is criticized for denying climate change and failing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• 🎯 On top of inaction, there are proposals to cut federal investments crucial for protecting communities from climate change impacts.

Impact of BRIC Program Termination

• 🏠 The BRIC program is highlighted as a key federal investment for mitigating climate change and natural disasters.
• 💔 Its termination is described as a devastating loss for communities that had plans in motion for resilience and hardening homes.
• 🚫 Neighboring counties that received BRIC grants for planning are now unable to implement critical programs like fuel management and community education.

Challenges and Alternatives

• 📉 Smaller counties like Lake County find it difficult to apply for BRIC due to complexity and the inability to afford the required match.
• 🌊 Communities like Crisfield, Maryland, facing rising sea levels and storm surges, are left without support after their BRIC grants were terminated.
• 💰 Reports indicate that every dollar invested in disaster preparedness yields $13 in reduced losses, underscoring the economic benefit of pre-disaster mitigation.
• 💡 While BRIC may not be a perfect program, the principle of investing in resilience is sound and should be expanded, not reduced.