Around Town
Soaring Flood Insurance Rates: Should Congress Step In
Wednesday, Dec 4, 2013
Shortly before Superstorm Sandy, Congress amended the federal flood insurance law to require rates to reflect true flood risk, making the program more financially stable. This is leading to soaring rates in many communities. Some homeowners are being forced to choose between raising their homes on stilts and going without insurance. Bills are pending in Congress to roll back the rate hikes. Proponents say this is needed to keep homes affordable; opponents say it would increase vulnerability to rising seas and require massive federal subsidies. Both sides of the controversy will be aired in this public forum.
Sponsor: Columbia Law School, Center for Climate Change Law & Earth Institute
Speakers: Howard Kunreuther, James G. Dinan Professor & Co-Director, Risk Management and Decision Processes Center, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania; Sergej Mahnovski, Director, New York City Mayors Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability; Steve Ellis, Vice President, Taxpayers for Common Sense; & Joshua Saks, Legislative Director, National Wildlife Federation
Moderator: Michael B. Gerrard, Andrew Sabin Professor of Professional Practice & Director, Center for Climate Change Law
Date:Wednesday, December 4, 7:00-9:00 pm
Location: Columbia Law School, Jerome Greene Hall, 435 W. 116th Street, Room 106
RSVP: This event is open to the public, but REGISTRATION is required