DATE: July 21, 2014
MEDIA CONTACT: Kristin Jacobs, Broward County Commissioner
PHONE: 954-357-7002
EMAIL: kjacobs@broward.org
WASHINGTON, DC — Broward County Commissioner Kristin Jacobs met with President Obama, several cabinet secretaries, governors and other officials from across the country at the White House. The July 16th meeting was to discuss and announce new federal initiatives to combat the impacts of climate change. It was the most recent gathering of the State, Local, and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience on which Commissioner Jacobs has served since its creation by the President last November. Jacobs is the only member of the Task Force from the southeastern United States.
At the President’s request, the Task Force has been developing recommended changes for federal programs and funding priorities to better aid state and local communities in their efforts to respond to climate change. The full report of the Task Force will be delivered to President Obama this fall.
“To meet with the President and to have played even a small role in the formation of these initiatives is truly an honor. I am proud that President Obama will help put our nation at the forefront of fighting the effects of global climate change,” said Commissioner Jacobs. “These initiatives are not only bold, they are well thought out, and they represent a great leap forward for our nation. Today I am not just proud of our President, I am proud to be a part of this great country.”
The measures unveiled by the President represent a number of recommendations identified by the Task Force as ready for immediate action. They include:
• Additional funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to help coastal areas prepare for climate impacts.
• A Green Infrastructure Collaborative led by the US Environmental Protection Agency to promote green infrastructure projects like urban forests and rooftop gardens, along with funding assistance for at least 25 communities across the US.
• Formal guidance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency calling on states to consider climate vulnerability in their state hazard mitigation plans.
• A new mapping initiative led by the US Geological Survey to develop advanced three-dimensional mapping data for the United States, which will support flood risk management efforts, shoreline and storm surge protection, and other climate-preparedness projects.
The Administration also released more details about a $1 Billion National Disaster Resilience Competition which will direct resources to communities struck by natural disasters in recent years. Following on the successful Rebuild by Design competition for areas damaged by Hurricane Sandy, the new competition will help communities develop and carry out disaster preparedness and community resilience plans that can be replicated throughout the country.
|