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Cassidy, Cochran, Vitter, Cornyn, Isakson, Wicker, Blunt, Boozman Press For Answers On Flood Risk Executive Action

Press Release

Date: Feb. 6, 2015
Location: Washington, DC

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. joined Senators Thad Cochran (R-MS), David Vitter (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Roy Blunt (R-MO) and John Boozman (R-AR) to press the President to provide information on an executive order to change the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) to account for uncertainties associated with climate change.

The issuance of the executive order challenged a provision in the FY2015 Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act (PL.113-235) that states the administration must solicit and consider input from governors, mayors and other stakeholders before implementing FFRMS. FFRMS also requires the adoption of "the most recent science on expected sea-level rise and take into account the impacts of climate change" to create higher base flood level elevations for federally funded investments. A limitation on this executive action was added in the 2015 spending bill following concerns that Congress and the public should be allowed to have input.

Dr. Cassidy previously urged President Obama to not implement this executive order because its development was being conducted with little transparency or input from the public or lawmakers. Federal investment decisions throughout the country could be discouraged, and flood risk policy reforms included in the Grimm-Cassidy Substitute Amendment to the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act could be at risk.

A copy of the letter can be found below.

Dr. Cassidy released the following statement:

"There are many factors that should be considered when addressing flood risk. Millions of Americans, including families and businesses in Louisiana, will be affected. These families and businesses, as well as local elected officials, scientists, experts and Congress should have input in this decision. The president is not a king, he should be listening to the American people."


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