Research | Policy Briefs

National Coordination on Adaptation and Resilience for Security Act (NCARS)

On November 8, 2023, Representatives Scott Peters (D-CA-50) and María Salazar (R-FL-27) and Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AL) introduced the National Coordination on Adaptation and Resilience for Security Act (NCARS) to “streamline the federal response to climate hazards that threaten human health and well-being, critical infrastructure, and natural environments.”

What does NCARS do?

  • Creates a National Adaptation and Resilience Strategy and an Implementation Plan with federal, state, local, private sector, and non-profit partners

  • Appoints a Chief Resilience Officer in the White House to implement the plan

  • Implements interagency working groups to streamline efforts and ensure accountability

  • Establishes a federal information hub to disseminate resilience resources to communities

Why is it important?

Mitigates rising costs from extreme weather:

  • Since 1980, the United States has suffered 341 weather and climate disasters totaling $2.475 trillion. 

  • Damages from 2022 disasters alone totaled $165.1 billion, with Hurricane Ian and the Western and Central Drought/Heat Waves topping the list at $112.9 billion and $22.1 billion, respectively. 

  • Natural hazard mitigation saves $6 on average for every $1 spent on federal mitigation grants.

  • By working proactively to protect critical assets and infrastructure, local communities and businesses can avoid high costs of repairs, insurance, and property damage when disaster hits.

Alleviates duplicative and piecemeal approaches to resilience planning at federal agencies:

  • At least 17 federal agencies receive funding for disaster preparedness, with each agency coordinating its own planning largely in a silo. By establishing interagency working groups held accountable by a Chief Resilience Officer, NCARS mitigates duplicative spending and resources.

Standardizes resilience planning across states.

  • State and local governments across the country have prioritized resilience to varying degrees. For example, some states have established resilience offices or similar state-wide programs (AK, CO, MS, NC, SC, WV), while others have appointed Chief Resilience Officers (FL, LA, VA) or established commissions or working groups to evaluate adaptation and resilience strategies and recommendations (MN, NV, WA). Similarly, cities like Atlanta, Austin, and Honolulu have dedicated resilience offices or programs. However, while many states and cities have taken legislative or executive action to prioritize resilience, others have not kept up. NCARS standardizes a national resilience strategy and streamlines resources for local governments to help ensure that no community is left behind.

What organizations support NCARS?

NCARS is supported by organizations that advocate for cost-effective, fiscally responsible solutions to mitigate extreme weather impacts and protect critical infrastructure. The US Chamber of Commerce, Taxpayers for Common Sense, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC), and American Flood Coalition Action are just a few that have publicly voiced their support for the legislation. You can read their statements here.

The previous version of NCARS, introduced in January 2022, received support from over 500 organizations, including more than 100 chambers of commerce.