Peters, Salazar, Coons, Murkowski Relaunch Bill to Strengthen Federal Action on Climate Threats
Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Rep. María Salazar (R-FL-27), Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced the National Coordination on Adaptation and Resilience for Security (NCARS) Act of 2026 to develop an organized federal response to climate hazards that threaten human health and well-being, critical infrastructure, and natural environments.
“San Diegans know first-hand the consequences of climate change, from destructive wildfires and prolonged drought to dangerous heat waves and rising seas that threaten our coastline. My constituents can't afford more delays,” Rep. Peters said. “The NCARS Act would streamline resources, improve coordination, and hold agencies accountable so we can better prepare for and respond to the growing climate threats our communities face. I'm glad to once again have bicameral, bipartisan support as we move this commonsense legislation forward.”
"Miami is ground zero for rising waters, and our neighborhoods cannot afford more delay. Every year we wait to plan for natural disasters, the costs go up and the damage gets worse," said Rep. Salazar. "That's why I'm proud to co-lead the National Coordination on Resilience for Security (NCARS) Act. This legislation will help us build stronger infrastructure, improve coordination across the federal government, and keep our people safe for generations to come."
“We can’t leave Americans to face extreme weather events – from winter storms to weeks of record high heat – alone,” said Senator Coons. “As the lowest lying state in the nation, Delaware is no stranger to how climate change can impact homes and businesses. This bill will create a national, coordinated strategy to bring together government and the private sector to protect communities, our economy, and our national security from the potentially devastating effects of climate change.”
"Alaskan communities continue to face an increasing number of damaging natural disasters, including catastrophic flooding, coastal erosion, severe storms, landslides, wildfires, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and permafrost thaw. Over the past year alone, communities across our state have endured multiple disasters that damaged critical infrastructure, disrupted essential services, and put lives at risk," said Senator Murkowski. "I'm glad to once again partner on bipartisan, bi-cameral legislation to develop and implement a unified National Resilience Strategy, with input from federal, state, Tribal, local, and private-sector partners. Alaska's unique geography and exposure to every type of natural hazard underscore the need for a coordinated federal approach that helps communities prepare for, adapt to, and recover from disasters more effectively.”
Increasingly frequent and severe weather-related catastrophes are a stark reminder that frontline communities like San Diego are at risk as the climate crisis worsens. Over the past 20 years, there have been 47 natural disasters in San Diego, costing millions or even billions of dollars to repair each time.
Meanwhile, natural disaster damages cost the United States $217.8 billion in 2024 compared to just $28.6 billion during Rep. Peters’ first year in Congress in 2013.
According to FEMA, each dollar invested in resilience saves roughly $6 when disaster strikes. Vulnerable populations also face increasing harm from slow-onset climate hazards like sea level rise and permafrost thaw, which are often overlooked in comparison to punctuated disaster events but can also have significant impacts on human health, property, and critical infrastructure.
The NCARS Act would:
Set a National Adaptation and Resilience Strategy and an Implementation Plan with federal, state, local, private sector, and non-profit partners.
Establish a Chief Resilience Officer in the White House to implement the plan.
Create interagency working groups to streamline efforts and ensure accountability.
Create a federal information hub to streamline resilience resources to communities.
The bill is supported by the Woodwell Climate Research Center, Alliance for Global Water Adaptation, American Flood Coalition Action, American Property Casualty Insurance Association, American Public Works Association (APWA), American Society of Civil Engineers, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, City Parks Alliance, Environmental Council of the States, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Federation of American Scientists, Geos Institute, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, International Code Council, Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, National Association of Counties, National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, National Recreation and Park Association, Reinsurance Association of America, Taxpayers for Common Sense, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), The Pew Charitable Trusts, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Union of Concerned Scientists, World Wildlife Fund.
A one pager on NCARS is available here. A section-by-section is available here. The full NCARS bill text is available here.
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