Ex-FEMA officials concerned about bill blocking building code updates
Ex-FEMA officials concerned about bill blocking building code updates WFAE
sdgtalks
This story appeared first in reporter David Boraks’ weekly email newsletter. Sign up here to get the latest news straight to your inbox first.
Introduction
When the Republican-controlled North Carolina General Assembly gets back to work in the next couple of weeks, it’s expected to easily override a raft of vetoes by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. That includes House Bill 488, a bill backed by the home building industry that would prohibit some updates to state building codes.
Concerns about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Former Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) officials have joined opponents of the bill in raising concerns about the legislature’s efforts. Among their worries: North Carolina’s failure to adopt an updated building code would penalize North Carolina communities seeking federal funding through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, or BRIC.
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety
“This bill will erode North Carolina’s standing as it looks at the mitigation and resilience grants,” said Roy Wright, former chief executive of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program and the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The North Carolina Home Builders Association has pushed the bill to block the governor-appointed state Building Code Council from adopting stricter energy efficiency standards for new homes until 2031. The rules affect things such as windows and doors, insulation and heating and cooling systems. The bill also blocks another new rule that would require home sheathing inspections, to ensure that new houses can withstand hurricane-force winds.
The bill’s lead sponsor, Republican Rep. Mark Brody of Union County, who is also a home builder, has told me that the bill would have no effect on FEMA funding for North Carolina.
“My understanding is really very clear: It has no effect whatsoever on FEMA funds,” Brody said last month. “That is a typical red-herring argument put over by the environmental lobby.”
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
- SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
- SDG 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 11.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.
- Indicator for SDG 13.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.
- Indicator for SDG 17.17: Amount of funding for sustainable development provided to developing countries.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population. |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships. | Amount of funding for sustainable development provided to developing countries. |
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDGs 11, 13, and 17. SDG 11 focuses on sustainable cities and communities, which includes ensuring access to adequate housing and upgrading slums. SDG 13 addresses climate action and the need to strengthen resilience to climate-related hazards and natural disasters. SDG 17 emphasizes partnerships for the goals, encouraging effective collaborations between different sectors.
Based on the article’s content, specific targets under these SDGs can be identified. SDG 11.1 aims to ensure access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services, including upgrading slums. SDG 13.1 focuses on strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters. SDG 17.17 emphasizes the importance of effective partnerships for sustainable development.
The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards these targets. For SDG 11.1, the indicator is the proportion of the urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing. For SDG 13.1, the indicator is the number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population. For SDG 17.17, the indicator is the amount of funding for sustainable development provided to developing countries.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: wfae.org
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
