Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-2006

Keywords

National Response Plan, Hurricane Katrina, Commerce Clause, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, federalism

Comments

© American Bar Association 2006. Reprinted with Permission.

Abstract

Hurricane Katrina renewed an old debate concerning which level of government should lead the response effort to catastrophic disasters. Traditionally, emergency response is handled at the most local level possible. The National Response Plan (NRP) adheres to this tenet, while providing for extensive coordination between the federal government and states and localities, if necessary. In doing so, the NRP provides procedures to ensure that federal assets may be brought to bear, without stomping on the nation's time honored commitment to the principles of federalism.

Download

Share

COinS