The federal government is giving local officials nationwide an ultimatum: Either use eminent domain to force people out of flood-prone homes, or forfeit the chance for federal money to combat climate change.
This move is an effort by the Army Corps of Engineers to protect people from disasters. Officials from the Florida Keys to the New Jersey coast, including Miami, Charleston, S.C., and Selma, Ala., are facing this choice.
Local governments seeking federal money to help people leave flood zones must first agree to oust people who refuse to move. Some local governments have told the Corps they will do so if necessary, while others have yet to decide.
The Corps protects Americans from flooding and coastal storms by building sea walls, levees and other protective structures, and by elevating homes. The Corps typically pays two-thirds of the cost, with local government paying the rest.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 19, 2018
Guidance for water utilities on indoor recycled water use released
Provides recommended ranges on 13 different parameters of water quality.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2018
Development in Africa, Asia, and uptake in air conditioning will require more efficient buildings
Dramatic action will be needed for global building sector to cut carbon in line with international agreements.
Codes and Standards | Dec 14, 2018
Emissions for buildings and construction have peaked, UN says
Greener buildings have led to leveling off of GHGs.
Codes and Standards | Dec 13, 2018
Urban flooding causing economic loss, social disruption, and housing inequality
Extensive suburban development, aging and poorly maintained infrastructure, and more intense rainfall mean more flooding.
Codes and Standards | Dec 12, 2018
California’s transportation problems could prevent state from reaching carbon reduction goals
Governor’s carbon neutral-by-2045 ambitions at odds with car culture.
Codes and Standards | Dec 11, 2018
Strict seismic building codes credited with minimizing damage in Alaskan earthquake
Magnitude 7.0 temblor cracked roads and collapsed road ramps, but buildings held up well.
Codes and Standards | Dec 7, 2018
Florida tops ABC’s 2018 Merit Shop Scorecard rankings
Michigan rose fastest after passing prevailing wage law.
Codes and Standards | Dec 6, 2018
North American steel yields lower GHG emissions than Chinese steel
North American construction steel saves about half of GHG emissions on building project.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2018
Canadian retailer builds net-zero stores
Other chains also boost green efforts with PVs, EV charging stations.
Codes and Standards | Dec 4, 2018
Action on building codes would spur low-carbon cities
Faster retrofit cycles, increased energy-efficiency requirements for existing buildings needed.
