FEMA Waives Equity, Climate Requirements for Local Mitigation Plans

FEMA has issued new guidance related to requirements for incorporating underserved communities, socially vulnerable populations, and climate change into local hazard mitigation plans. Those sections are now removed from the guide outlining plan requirements. The change is incorporated into the Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide, which is being updated for compliance with recent Executive Orders.

These plans are required under the Stafford Act and are necessary for receiving an array of FEMA non-emergency assistance. According to FEMA, the waiver will allow communities in the process of updating plans or getting new plans approved to proceed while the full guidance is being finalized.

The agency clarified that plans approved and plans that were "approvable pending adoption" before January 20, 2025, are not required to amend or revise their plans.

All plans approved on or after January 20, 2025, are subject to the new waiver.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) had previously updated plan requirements associated with the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery program to remove similar requirements.

The new waiver comes on the heels of FEMA's decision to suspend the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant program.