Hurricane Helene has caused untold devastation across southeastern U.S. states and affected communities urgently need immediate assistance. As of this writing, at least 100 people have tragically died.

Instead of pledging aid to affected communities, some immediately politicized the unprecedented flooding event. A former Obama administration official suggested that denying climate change would lead to more natural disasters like this one, while a prominent media outlet said criticism of Biden and Harris' lackluster response was political.

While the Biden-Harris administration claims there is “robust and well-coordinated federal support” for the Hurricane Helene relief effort, doubts have emerged because the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website claims “equity as the foundation of emergency management.” becomes Strategic Plan 2022-2026.

Not surprisingly, Goal 1 of the strategic plan is to put equity at the core of emergency management.

“Underserved communities and certain identity groups often suffer disproportionately from disasters. As a result, disasters exacerbate pre-existing inequalities in society,” the strategic plan states. “By establishing equity as the foundation of emergency management and striving to meet the unique needs of underserved communities, the emergency management community can work to break this vicious cycle and build a more resilient nation.” FEMA maintains equity in emergency management not a novel concept. However, current law – the Stafford Act – states that emergency aid must apply equally to everyone. Under Section 308 of the Stafford Act, the agency may not distribute resources unfairly to one group over others:

FEMA cannot, directly or contractually, do any of the following based on race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, English proficiency, age, or economic status:

• deny Program services, resources or benefits;

• Offer any service, assistance or benefit or provide it in a manner different from that provided to others; or,

• Separate or treat individuals separately in all matters relating to the receipt of services, assistance or benefits.

However, the agency acknowledges that the Stafford Act could hinder its equity vision because it must “understand and respond to the needs of diverse individuals and communities to ensure that the benefits of FEMA programs are available.”

On a related “equality” page, as of Jan. 20, FEMA adopted a government-wide policy “requiring agencies to evaluate equity with respect to race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability.” “. Executive Order 2021 on “Promoting racial justice and supporting underserved communities through the federal government.”

“We are turning a new leaf at FEMA, ensuring equity across our agencies, programs and policies to better serve people who face unique obstacles before, during and after disasters,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell .

This is not the first time the agency has been embroiled in controversy over its emergency management mission.

Earlier this year, I wrote here at IWF about how FEMA is being pressured by radical environmental groups and climate activists to label wildlife smoke and excessive heat as “major disasters”:

Under the Stafford Act, extreme heat and wildfire smoke are not typically considered a “major disaster.” Previous presidents have disputed Making declarations for excessive heat events because “the 'severity and magnitude' of the incident was not sufficient to warrant a declaration.” Ultimately, these are congressional actions – not executive orders necessary Add “extreme heat” and “wildlife smoke” to FEMA’s “major disaster” declarations.

Emergency management should be applied equally to all Americans affected by natural disasters, regardless of their state of residence or socioeconomic status. Emergency aid and assistance must be provided in a timely manner so that everyone affected by Hurricane Helene can survive and move on after this terrible event.