Tag Archives: disasters

New Bill Proposes Safety Commission for Investigating Weather Disasters

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When an American tragically dies in a plane or train crash, a dedicated independent commission investigates the incident to pinpoint failures and develop strategies to prevent similar occurrences.

In stark contrast, there is currently no similar process in place following deadly floods or hurricanes.

Recently, Rep. Eric Sorensen from Illinois introduced a significant bill aimed at establishing such a review commission to thoroughly investigate weather-related disasters and implement preventive measures for the future.

The proposed legislation, titled the National Weather Safety Commission Act, seeks to establish an independent commission with a minimum of seven members, all possessing relevant expertise in fields like meteorology, social science, and emergency management. The President will appoint them, pending Senate confirmation. This commission is modeled after the National Transportation Safety Board, which investigates all civil aviation incidents and other emergencies.

This proposed commission would have the authority to investigate severe weather events, issue subpoenas for testimony and evidence, and compile reports and recommendations for agencies such as the National Weather Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Army Corps of Engineers.

The idea of a weather disaster review has been a subject of discussion among meteorologists and emergency management professionals for years. However, it gained renewed urgency following the devastating flood in Texas this past July, which resulted in over 130 fatalities, including 27 campers and counselors at a camp along the Guadalupe River.

Caution tape marking the entrance to Hunt’s Camp Mystic on July 7.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images File

In the aftermath of the flood, blame quickly shifted among Texas officials, with criticisms directed at the National Weather Service, which was operating with reduced staff due to funding cuts from the previous administration. Questions were raised about the accuracy of rainfall forecasts as well as the effectiveness of local emergency management systems and alert protocols.

“We quickly discovered that political maneuvering was complicating the issue,” Sorensen told NBC News. “We need to implement substantial changes to ensure that a tragedy of this nature does not recur. We will enlist the top experts on an independent board to deliver insights that Congress can use to formulate policies prioritizing public safety.”

As the sole meteorologist in Congress, Sorensen underscores the urgency of this initiative.

“Meteorologists have been advocating for years that we need to enhance our response mechanisms,” Sorensen asserted.

In recent years, Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) have introduced various proposals aimed at creating similar disaster review boards. Additionally, several Republican colleagues, including former Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), are championing comparable legislation. The concept of an independent review body for weather-related incidents dates back to 2006.

Currently, the new bill lacks bipartisan sponsorship.

“This situation is a crucial test for us during this administration and in our currently polarized political climate: Can we still achieve bipartisan collaboration? Can we unite across party lines to enact necessary changes?” Sorensen expressed.

Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-Illinois) at the U.S. Capitol on April 10, 2024.
Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call (via Getty Images)

Neil Jacobs, former head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) appointed by President Trump, endorsed the proposal for an independent review panel.

“Accurate data is essential for post-storm evaluations,” Jacobs mentioned during his Senate confirmation following the Texas disaster. “Drawing from my experiences with the NTSB on aviation incidents, I can envision something similar for weather-related catastrophes, as we require comprehensive data to assess what succeeded, what failed, and the efficacy of warning systems.”

Sorensen confirmed he has collaborated on this bill with Jacobs.

“I believe he is the ideal ally to help propel this initiative forward,” Sorensen stated.

Douglas Hilderbrand, executive director of the American Weather Companies Association, an emerging organization focused on weather forecasting and information delivery, is also collaborating with Sorensen on this legislation.

“Weather is fundamentally a bipartisan concern,” Hilderbrand emphasized. “We remain optimistic about this initiative.”

The bill delineates specific types of events qualifying as weather hazards for the commission’s examination, including any disaster declared by the President under the Stafford Act, along with severe weather events resulting in at least 10 fatalities or 100 injuries. Such events deemed “rapidly occurring” mass casualty incidents are included as well.

The Weather Safety Board would convene a vote within 14 days of the occurrence of such an event to determine whether to initiate an investigation.

The Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Homeland Security (including FEMA), Federal Communications Commission, and NOAA (including the National Weather Service) will be obliged to furnish data and information to the Commission upon request.

The board will have a period of 90 days post-major weather event to draft an interim report, followed by a comprehensive final report due within a 20-month timeframe.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Senate Democrats Aim to Reinstate NOAA Database Monitoring $1 Billion in Natural Disasters

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Senate Democrats are working to reinstate a database that monitored billions of dollars in climate and weather-related disasters for decades, which was discontinued by the Trump administration this past May.

Since 1980, NOAA has kept a disaster database for events causing damages over $1 billion in the U.S., but the agency halted its initiatives this spring due to budget cuts in climate science research under the Trump administration.

The database and its annual reports shed light on how climate change is influencing extreme weather patterns, including increased travel to flood-prone areas and rising wildfire incidents. Lawmakers have utilized the report in assessing disaster funding while raising awareness about natural disaster costs.

In a statement to NBC News in May, a spokesperson from NOAA indicated that the closure of the database was “consistent with evolving priorities and staffing changes.”

Currently, Senate Democrats, led by Peter Welch, D-Vt., have introduced a bill that mandates NOAA to revive the database and update it at least biannually. Congress holds the power to dictate NOAA’s budget and outline its administrative functions.

Welch stated, “Our legislation is crucial to reversing the reckless actions of the Trump administration, restoring this database, and mitigating the expenses associated with emergency preparedness and natural disasters. This database is essential for understanding the financial implications of constructing homes, businesses, and communities nationwide after significant weather events.”

Neither the White House nor NOAA has provided a response to requests for comments.

More than a dozen senators have co-sponsored the bill, including Sen. Angela of Brooks and Chris Van Hollen, who represents Maryland, where NOAA is based.

This legislation may face uphill battles in becoming law as Republicans, who hold the Senate, are not supporting the bill.

The introduction of this new bill reflects mounting concerns and protests regarding funding at NOAA and other climate-focused organizations. Notably, NOAA’s database has seen leading scientists resign, with some leaving the agency in May due to the planned closure of the database. One of them, Smith, has since joined Climate Central, a nonprofit research organization dedicated to climate change, to continue the work he once conducted at NOAA.

Tom Di Liberto, a spokesperson for Climate Central, indicated that the organization has refrained from commenting on current policies or proposed legislation.

“We look forward to enhancing our in-house $1 billion disaster dataset,” Di Liberto noted in an email.

From 1980 to 2024, NOAA’s database has recorded a staggering total of $40 billion in disaster-related expenses. In the previous year alone, NOAA reported $27 billion in disasters, amounting to around $182.7 billion in costs. This year ranks as the second-lowest for reported multi-billion dollar disasters since 2023.

The analysis provided “direct costs” of disasters, encompassing damage to buildings, infrastructure, and crops. However, it did not factor in other important considerations, such as loss of life, health-related costs from disasters, or economic impacts on “natural capital,” including forests and wetlands, as detailed in a 2025 report from the Congressional Research Service.

NOAA adjusts its data annually to account for inflation.

Previous Reports highlight that developments in hazardous areas vulnerable to floods, wildfires, and other natural disasters have intensified over time, leading to an increase in both the number and cost of weather and climate disasters, ultimately raising the number of at-risk assets.

Moreover, climate scientists assert that extreme weather events are occurring more frequently. Climate change is raising temperatures, heightening the risks of heat waves, intense precipitation, and rapidly intensifying hurricanes.

NOAA has utilized a combination of private and public data to generate estimates, integrating information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Fire Centers, as well as private insurance data.

Like NOAA, these institutions are also experiencing budget cuts.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Kentucky Appalachians Face Challenges in Recovering from a Series of Disasters

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Historically, Eastern Kentucky has faced significant flooding issues. As moist air ascends the Appalachian mountains, it releases moisture into the valleys. However, during extreme rainfall, this water quickly flows into lowlands, causing many local streams to be overwhelmed. A study revealed an alarming number of fatalities during the catastrophic flood of 2022, which occurred near Troublesham Creek, a 168-mile tributary of the North Fork Kentucky River, impacted by historical mountaintop removal mining.

For numerous residents of Hazard, the increasing frequency of flooding has transformed lives. Once a thriving hub for coal production, the town’s economic prospects have drastically declined over recent decades, burdening long-time residents with both financial struggles and flood damage.

Eastmon, who has faced flood dangers since 2007, describes the trauma left by these events.

“Whether it’s witnessing someone stuck in a tree or seeing someone underwater, it affects you,” Eastmon shared. “Everyone here has been influenced in some capacity.”

Local volunteer firefighter Ronnie Dillion assisted in rescuing Craig, a flood victim near Trouble Creek in 2022. Dillion’s family has deep roots in Hazard, yet he plans to relocate to London, a sizable city approximately 60 miles west of Hazard. He mentioned that the recent flooding has been a breaking point for many residents who are already struggling.

The flood devastated Dillion’s home, creating a cave-in in part of the ceiling. He noted that rebuilding is particularly challenging due to the limited job opportunities available locally.

“This place is my home, but there aren’t many opportunities for younger people here,” Dillion lamented. “We can’t pursue our dreams or do what we love in this environment.”

In February, part of Ronnie Dillion’s home was destroyed by a massive flood. A volunteer firefighter, Dillion has few employment opportunities in flood-covered dangers and struggles to repair his home.
NBC News Studio

According to the latest Census data, over 25% of Perry County residents live below the federal poverty line. At its peak in 1990, the coal industry employed over 29,000 individuals, but since then, Kentucky has lost approximately 85% of those jobs, as reported by Kentucky Statistics Center. In Perry County, employment fell by 23% in 2023.

Jason Naylor, a researcher at the University of Louisville focusing on climate change in Kentucky, points out that Eastern Kentucky is particularly susceptible to climate impacts and increased flooding.

“There are numerous social vulnerabilities,” Naylor noted.

Eastmon shares that some neighbors believe governmental actions contributed to the 2022 flood, and there’s a significant loss of faith in public officials within the community following the disaster. Eastmon herself has applied for a home-buying program in Perry County, hoping it will bring her closer to her children.

“I keep sharing our story, hoping someone will hear it and help us escape our situation,” she expressed.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Nuclear Fusion Disasters: Why They’re Not a Major Concern

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Modern atomic energy technologies primarily utilize nuclear fission. In this process, the nuclei of heavy atoms, such as uranium, are bombarded with neutrons, causing them to split apart and release lighter nuclei along with significant energy.

However, a major drawback of fission energy is that the resultant waste is often far more radioactive than the original fuel, with its hazardous nature persisting for extended periods. Moreover, managing the rate of fission reactions is crucial for ensuring safety.

A failure in this context can lead to catastrophic consequences.

An alternative to nuclear fission is fusion energy. In this process, lighter elements, specifically isotopes of hydrogen, merge to form heavier nuclei, releasing substantial energy in the process.

This is the fundamental reaction that powers stars, including our sun.

The byproducts of the fusion reaction are generally safe, primarily producing inert helium, though some mildly radioactive substances are also generated, but they are short-lived. The challenge with fusion energy lies in achieving the conditions required to initiate the reaction.

It necessitates temperatures in the millions of degrees, along with the incorporation of ultra-high-pressure fuel (usually within a magnetic field), which presents significant technical hurdles.

Like any industrial process, there are inherent risks, but the nature of a fusion reactor means that any failure would quickly halt energy production.

As a result, fusion energy “disasters” are considerably less probable than conventional industrial accidents; indeed, they lack the potential for the environmental and ecological crises associated with fission energy meltdowns.

This article responds to the inquiry (made via email by Brandon Harris) regarding “What does a Fusion Energy Disaster look like?”

Feel free to email us with your questions at Question @sciencefocus.com or reach out via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram (please remember to include your name and location).

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Tax credit proposed to assist homeowners affected by natural climate-related disasters

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On Tuesday, two U.S. senators introduced a bill with the goal of reducing damage to homes and communities caused by floods, wildfires, and other natural disasters by offering federal tax credits.

The bill, proposed by D-Calif. and R-Mont. lawmakers Adam Schiff and Tim Sheehy, aims to provide tax credits to incentivize people to upgrade their homes with improved protections against major disasters like hurricanes and wildfires.

The bipartisan legislation, known as the Increased Resilience, Environmental Weathering, and Enhanced Firewall Act, seeks to enhance community resilience in the face of increasing climate change impacts such as more frequent and severe floods, hurricanes, and other disasters across the nation.

Speaking to NBC News, Schiff explained that the proposed law was inspired by the devastating fires in Southern California and aims to address the growing insurance crisis in disaster-prone areas where insurance companies are pulling out of the market.

The bill proposes a federal tax credit that covers 50% of the cost of home resilience upgrades, including measures like underground sealed walls, automatic shutoff valves for water and gas lines, and fireproof roofing materials.

To qualify for the tax credits, states must have experienced a federally declared natural disaster within the past ten years, ensuring that the bill not only benefits recent disaster victims but also helps all Americans mitigate risks from hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires.

Sheehy, who collaborated with Schiff on the legislation, emphasized that the bill aims to lower financial barriers for individuals seeking to protect themselves from extreme weather events and their property.

The tax credits are capped at $25,000 for families earning under $200,000 annually, with a phased-out limit for higher-income households. Families earning less than $300,000 could receive up to $12,500 in credits.

According to Schiff, the tax credits will be fully refundable and adjusted for inflation starting in 2026.

Schiff highlighted the importance of targeting relief to those most in need and aiming to reduce costs in disaster-prone regions by incentivizing resilient building practices through tax credits.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Why have fire departments been unable to control ongoing disasters for decades?

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California implemented stricter building standards in 2008, focusing on design and materials used in new construction in high-risk areas.

Discussing the issue, Crowfoot emphasized the challenge posed by older homes not meeting modern safety standards. A special committee formed by Governor Newsom aims to address this concern.

Since 2020, California has allocated at least $50 million to home hardening projects and initiated a grant program to incentivize homeowners to renovate their properties.

However, according to Kimiko Barrett from Headwater Economics, the current program is inadequate to deal with the scale of the problem, especially evident in Los Angeles County.

Despite meeting high safety standards, some homes, like those affected in the Paradise Camp Fire of 2018, still faced significant damage. Only 43% of homes built after 2008 survived the fire in Paradise.

JP Rose from the Center for Biological Diversity highlights the importance of not building extensively in high-risk fire zones without proper precautions to avoid future disasters.

Firefighters extinguish a house on fire along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, on January 8.
Juan Carlo / USA Today Network File

At a national level, there is a lack of significant investment in making structures more resilient to wildfires. The Federal Bushfire Commission Report acknowledges the immense cost of addressing the bushfire crisis annually.

Efforts to improve fire resilience in homes, like replacing wooden roofs, could require billions of dollars. Without government intervention, insurance companies may play a crucial role in encouraging homeowners to undertake costly renovations to safeguard their properties.

In the midst of the ongoing housing crisis in Southern California, the rebuilding process after recent fires, as supported by Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, aims to expedite the reconstruction of damaged properties.

Source: www.nbcnews.com