PREPARE Act of 2023 Preparedness and Risk Management for Extreme Weather Patterns Assuring Resilience and Effectiveness Act of 2023
This bill has the potential to significantly impact state laws and operations through its requirement of federal agencies to create comprehensive 'extreme weather plans.' These plans must evaluate the risks associated with extreme weather on federal operations and support local and state efforts to improve resilience. The establishment of an Interagency Council will facilitate collaboration among existing federal programs focused on disaster preparedness, potentially streamlining efforts and improving response times during extreme weather events. Additionally, it emphasizes the provision of resources to bolster the capability of governmental entities to adequately prepare for such incidences.
House Bill 6882, referred to as the PREPARE Act of 2023, aims to enhance the Federal Government’s planning and preparation for extreme weather events. This legislation seeks to improve the dissemination of best practices for responding to such events, ultimately increasing resilience, fostering regional coordination, and reducing the financial risks posed by extreme weather to the Federal Government. The bill establishes an Interagency Council focused on extreme weather resilience, which will be responsible for setting government-wide goals and priorities, including effective risk identification and management strategies across various federal agencies.
Some notable points of contention around HB6882 include the effectiveness of its measures in truly enhancing weather resilience, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities that are most affected by climate-related disasters. Critics might argue that while the bill establishes a framework for preparedness, it may not provide sufficient funding or authority to enforce its recommendations. Further, there could be debates regarding the prioritization of resources among federal agencies, as well as the potential overlap with existing state and local emergency management practices.