Homebuilding experts blast FEMA building code regulation attempts
Experts argue against federal building code regulations, saying they do not properly prevent disasters from occurring.
Written by: Hannah Campbell
This article was written live on Capitol Hill. The article was a part of coursework for the Reporting on Public Affairs course at American University.
Homebuilding and contracting experts criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s building code regulations today in response to natural disaster relief.
The federal agency provides assistance to those impacted by disasters and are not covered by insurance, such as property damage.
During a House Transportation and Infrastructure hearing, experts testified about the need for state and local building codes rather than federal ones. Experts said federal building codes do not do enough to prevent a disaster.
“We believe we know what’s best in our state and in our communities,” Witness Jordan Krahenbuhl, executive director of the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors of Nevada, said.
Krahenbuhl and the Nevada organization work to educate and train contractors in the state. He said the federal government should not be setting federal codes for homebuilding and disaster relief.
The federal agency allocated $137 million this year specifically for building code activities under a new “Codes Plus Up” program, specifically to ensure buildings are up-to-date on regulations.
Under the program, the funding was outlined to provide up to $2 million per state and territory.
Witness Cindy L. Davis, on behalf of the International Code Council, said the federal government should “support action that enhances our capabilities and minimizes frequent dependence on the federal government.”
Davis, who previously served as the president to the council which ensures safe design and construction to international structures, does not believe it’s appropriate for the federal government to set these standards.
GOP lawmakers argue the agency should not adopt a “one-size fits all” policy for building code regulations.
“I’m concerned that federal overreach regarding building codes includes imposing unnecessary burdens on business and property owners,” Rep. Scott Perry, R-P.A., said.
Rather than preventing the problem, experts and lawmakers argue the federal agency is spending “excessive” funds following a natural disaster.
“The federal government is used to just throwing billions and billions of dollars in the aftermath of a disaster and not paying attention to the front end,” Rep. Garret Graves, R-L.A., said.
Criticism of the agency followed a state of emergency declared by President Biden for Tropical Storm Helene, which is forecasted to hit the Florida coast. The possible hurricane is projected as a Category 3 Storm, as previously reported by CBS.
The agency, who was not present at the hearing today, declined to comment on the criticism by witnesses and lawmakers. The press office, however, did acknowledge it was still accepting financial assistance applications from those impacted by Hurricane Debby in August.
As of Tuesday, September 24, the agency has approved $32.5 million in assistance to households affected by Hurricane Debby, as previously reported by The Gainesville Sun.
With the threat of another natural disaster looming, both lawmakers and experts are not satisfied with the results of current building codes.
“My hope is that if our tax dollars are being used to support building codes, then we must see a significant return on our investment,” Rep. Perry said.