April 21, 2020 10:30 a.m.
Oregon lawmakers are pushing for disaster plans regarding wildfires and other disasters from the Federal Emergency Management Agency amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Representatives Peter DeFazio and Suzanne Bonamici have joined a group of nearly 80 colleagues demanding that the Trump administration outline disaster preparation and recovery plans for a variety of potential disasters that may occur while the nation simultaneously addresses the COVID-19 situation.
In a letter to FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor, the members of Congress emphasized the unique challenges of responding to disasters, including wildfires, amid the pandemic, according to a release.
The letter said “spring flooding season is now upon us, wildfire season is fast approaching, tornado outbreaks are starting to spread, a major earthquake could strike at any moment, and hurricane season – which is projected to be above average – is just around the corner”.
The lawmakers asked that FEMA share with Congress the steps it is taking to ensure that the agency is fully prepared to carry out its mission in responding to natural disasters during the pandemic.