The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has just released their new operating plans for 2016. Their new revisions however, have been sparking some controversy. Beginning next year, FEMA will require state governors to acknowledge man-made climate change in order to receive disaster preparation funding.
States will still receive aid from FEMA if a disaster strikes a state, however, in order to receive money to prepare for disasters the governor must acknowledge climate change. This new policy has sparked some political debate and many are speaking out about the new change.
The Obama administration and the democrats are the ones that crafted the change and stand behind it. They say, if a state is going to prepare for a disaster they must recognize climate change as it causes other natural disasters. Not only does climate change cause natural disasters but it is also a natural disaster in and of itself. The new change hopes to prompt states into taking measures in preventing it, however, many conservatives disagree.
Conservatives are lashing out against the change. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, says, “This preparation saves lives…The White House should not use it for political leverage to force acquiescence to their left-wing ideology.” Many conservatives are saying that the new change is just a political ploy to force those that do not believe to endorse it and endorse a left-wing agenda. Conservatives are also saying that disaster preparation and the potential it has to saves lives should not be used for political gain. This new change has caused a lot of controversy and it will be interesting to see the political ramification of these changes.
Sources:
MSNBC