H.R.3161 - Preventing Environmental Hazards Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3161, the Preventing Environmental Hazards Act of 2025, aims to amend the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. The bill seeks to extend flood insurance coverage to structures threatened by shoreline erosion and imminent collapse or subsidence. It outlines specific conditions under which the Administrator of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) would provide payments for demolition or relocation of such structures.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would expand the scope of the NFIP to include coverage for shoreline erosion, potentially aiding property owners facing losses due to this environmental hazard. This could lead to increased claims and adjustments to the NFIP's financial structure. The bill also sets specific limits and conditions on coverage, including maximum claim amounts and requirements for demolition or relocation.
Potential Benefits
- Provides financial assistance to property owners facing imminent collapse or subsidence due to shoreline erosion.
- Allows for either demolition or relocation of threatened structures, offering flexibility to property owners.
- Establishes clear guidelines and limitations for coverage, promoting transparency and accountability.
- Could incentivize proactive measures to address shoreline erosion and protect coastal communities.
- May reduce the financial burden on individuals and local communities affected by shoreline erosion.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could increase the financial strain on the National Flood Insurance Program, potentially requiring higher premiums or taxpayer subsidies.
- May incentivize development in areas prone to shoreline erosion, increasing long-term risks.
- The $250,000 maximum claim limit may not be sufficient to cover the full cost of demolition or relocation in some cases.
- The requirement for continuous flood insurance coverage for a specified period may exclude some property owners from eligibility.
- Potential for disputes over the determination of imminent collapse or subsidence, leading to legal challenges.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the US Constitution, as it aims to provide assistance to property owners facing environmental hazards. Specifically, the preamble states the Constitution is intended to "promote the general Welfare". The bill's focus on addressing shoreline erosion and protecting coastal communities could be seen as promoting the well-being of citizens. However, the constitutionality of the bill also depends on whether it infringes upon any other constitutional rights or exceeds the enumerated powers of Congress.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).