The implementation of Project 2025 could have a serious impact on Houston’s ability to prepare for and recover from major storms. One of the project’s proposed changes would be to scale back federal response to major storms, which could have a major impact on flood insurance policies.
The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, crafted by former Donald Trump administration officials suggest that the National Flood Insurance Program, which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency is draining federal resources, according to the Houston Chronicle. This program provides flood insurance to millions of Americans, including many in Houston.
“The NFIP should be wound down and replaced with private insurance starting with the least risky areas currently identified by the program,” the Heritage Foundation argues.
Flooding expert Rob Moore from the Natural Resources Defense Council told the Chronicle that such changes could destabilize flood insurance availability and affordability, particularly in high-risk areas.
“What they’re talking about is tilting the flood insurance program towards the most flood-prone properties and continuing to incur huge losses while taking away some of the revenue in the form of premium payments from low-risk properties,” he said. “So it doesn’t make any financial sense, and it makes even less sense from a public policy standpoint.”
Private insurers have increased their share of the flood insurance market, accounting for roughly one-third of policies as of 2023, but Moore points out that coverage isn’t guaranteed in high-risk zones.
“Depending on where you live, you may or may not be able to find a private insurer that’s willing to underwrite your home,” Moore said.
Despite the potential consequences for Houston, local officials such as Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey have not commented on the plan. Harris County Flood Control District and the Texas Public Policy Foundation, which contributed to Project 2025 declined to comment on the impact.
However, Moore expressed doubts on the feasibility of Project 2025’s sweeping reforms.
“You try to abolish the program and you are going to see all kinds of people come out of the woodwork opposed to that idea,” Moore said. “Republicans, Democrats, are going to be very concerned about how that affects their local communities.”
