Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated 483 census tracts as Community Disaster Resilience Zones (CDRZs).
Trump administration drops work on stronger building codes for disasters
Summary
The Trump administration has ordered FEMA to stop its decades-long role in developing stronger building codes, a move experts warn could undermine disaster resilience. FEMA is withdrawing from the International Code Council’s process for updating construction standards that protect homes from hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. Critics argue this weakens national preparedness at a time when climate-driven disasters are increasing. The decision follows Republican opposition to stricter building regulations due to cost concerns. Studies show modern codes reduce damages by billions of dollars. FEMA has also recently fired over 200 staff members, further weakening its disaster response capabilities. Experts liken this rollback to abandoning aviation safety regulations, stressing that climate adaptation requires stronger—not weaker—building standards. The administration is also expected to halt a rule requiring public buildings to meet higher flood protection standards, reversing a policy reinstated by the Biden administration.
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