A Coalition of States Sues Trump Administration over Elimination of Critical Disaster Preparedness Program

In a bold move to protect their communities against natural disasters, a coalition of 20 states has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its decision to shut down the Building Resilient Infrastructures and Communities (BRIC) program. This multibillion-dollar grant program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), was designed to strengthen infrastructure and mitigate the impact of natural disasters before they strike.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Boston on Wednesday, argues that the elimination of the BRIC program is unlawful and puts millions of lives at risk. The coalition, led by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, is demanding that the program be reinstated to ensure the safety and well-being of their states’ residents.

The BRIC program was established in 2018 as part of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, with the aim of providing funding to states and localities for projects that would make their communities more resilient to natural disasters. These projects could include building stronger and more resilient infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings, as well as implementing measures to protect against flooding, wildfires, and other hazards.

The decision to eliminate the BRIC program was announced by FEMA in December 2020, just weeks before the end of the Trump administration. This move was met with widespread criticism and concern from state and local leaders, who saw it as a major setback in their efforts to prepare for and respond to natural disasters.

The coalition of states argues that FEMA’s decision to terminate the BRIC program was not only unlawful but also lacked any justification or explanation. They point out that the program had already been allocated $500 million in funding for the fiscal year 2021 and had received bipartisan support from Congress.

The lawsuit also highlights the urgent need for disaster preparedness, especially in the face of increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters. The past few years have seen devastating hurricanes, wildfires, and floods, which have caused billions of dollars in damages and claimed countless lives. With the impacts of climate change becoming more evident, it is crucial that we take proactive measures to protect our communities from these disasters.

The elimination of the BRIC program not only puts lives at risk but also undermines the efforts of states and localities to build more resilient communities. It also goes against the federal government’s responsibility to protect its citizens and ensure their safety in times of crisis.

The coalition of states is hopeful that their lawsuit will lead to the reinstatement of the BRIC program and send a strong message to the federal government about the importance of disaster preparedness. They are also calling on the Biden administration to take swift action to address this issue and prioritize the safety of communities across the country.

In a statement, Attorney General Maura Healey said, “We will not stand by and watch as the federal government puts our communities in harm’s way. We are taking action to hold the Trump administration accountable for its reckless and unlawful decision to eliminate the BRIC program. We urge the Biden administration to act quickly to reverse this harmful decision and work with us to build stronger and more resilient communities.”

The coalition of states is determined to fight for the reinstatement of the BRIC program and ensure that their communities are prepared for future natural disasters. Their actions serve as a reminder that when it comes to protecting our communities and our planet, we must all come together and take a proactive approach. Let us hope that this lawsuit will bring about positive change and pave the way for a safer and more resilient future for all.