Management
DOE Shares the Playbook for Energy Emergencies
The Energy Emergency Response Playbook for States and Territories is designed to help state officials respond to threats to the energy infrastructure from cyberattacks, man-made damage and weather-related incidents like drought, flooding, storms, extreme heat or earthquakes.
Tech
Data Collection Features in a New Bill Targeting Equity at FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Advancement of Equity Act would instruct the disaster response to improve its data collection systems to help identify inequities in its distribution of federal assistance.
Management
Feds Say Texas Discriminated against Communities of Color when It Denied Houston Flood Aid
Land Commissioner George P. Bush is in the middle of a fierce runoff in the Republican primary for Texas attorney general against incumbent Ken Paxton. During the race, several of Bush’s opponents have criticized his office’s work in distributing Hurricane Harvey relief funds.
Management
GovExec Daily: Fauci's 'All-of-Government' Pandemic Approach
Dr. Anthony Fauci, Chief Medical Advisor to the President and NIAID chief, joins Courtney Bublé on the podcast to discuss prep for the next crisis.
Tech
GovExec Daily: Securing FEMA Networks
Dr. Gregory Edwards, FEMA’s Chief Information Security Officer, joins the podcast to discuss innovation and technology at his agency.
Oversight
FAA Suggests Steps to Improve Aviation Safety in Alaska. Some Experts Say They’re Not Enough.
In a recently released report, the FAA recommended safety measures to address Alaska’s high share of aircraft accidents. The report, which contains few new initiatives or calls for funding, falls short of what’s needed, according to experts.
Management
FEMA's Deanne Criswell Talks Following Your Gut and the Agency’s Focus on Equity in Disaster Response
The first woman in the agency’s top job said FEMA has to make sure it’s helping those who face barriers navigate bureaucracy.
Workforce
COVID Hits Wildfire Fighters Even Harder Than Last Year
At least 421 U.S. Forest Service fire personnel tested positive for COVID-19 this year.
Management
HUD Cuts ‘Red Tape’ for Hurricane Ida Victims
Department announces a package of 27 administrative and regulatory waivers.
Management
Why People Resist Disaster Preparedness Spending
Some people may oppose disaster preparedness spending because it "only seems worthwhile to those personally affected by extreme weather events."
Defense
California, Louisiana Receive Outside Help to Support Natural Disaster Response
Both states have units deployed that would otherwise be helping in their efforts.
Workforce
OPM Issues Guidance on Weather Leave in Age of Telework, Disasters
As the remnants of Hurricane Ida created disruptions throughout the eastern United States, the Office of Personnel Management highlighted how workplace flexibilities can mesh with the federal government’s current maximum telework posture.
Management
FEMA and Other Federal Agencies Respond to Storm Henri
The emergency assistance agency is also helping Tennessee following the massive floods.
Management
Analysis: As Colorado River Basin States Confront Water Shortages, It’s Time to Focus on Reducing Demand
A long-expected federal drought declaration underlines how serious the Colorado River water shortage has become for Western states.
Workforce
Senate-Approved Infrastructure Bill Would Raise Wildland Firefighter Pay
The bill also would increase the number of full-time federal firefighters.
Management
GovExec Daily: How to Budget for the Next Pandemic
Former OMB official Doug Criscitello joins the podcast to discuss how government can prepare for catastrophe.
Management
One Year In: How COVID-19's Toll Compares With Other Causes of Death
COVID-19 has become the country’s third-leading cause of death, and isn’t far behind cancer.
Management
Texas National Guard Deployed to Get COVID-19 Vaccines to Older Texans Who Are Homebound
Gov. Greg Abbott said he wants the majority of Texans who are 65 and older to be inoculated against COVID-19 by the end of March. He said the state could announce more eligibility for the vaccines next month.
Oversight
Watchdog Finds ‘Minimal Oversight’ of Program to Help Workers Who Lose Their Jobs Following Disasters
IG proposes improvements based on a Labor Department agency’s response to 2017 hurricanes and wildfires.
Management