E.O. 14239: State Preparedness EO

Summary

Shifts responsibility for disaster and threat preparedness from the federal government to state and local levels to increase efficiency and save taxpayer money.

What problem does this solve?

The federal government's approach to national preparedness is too complex and inefficient, placing a heavy burden on taxpayers. This order streamlines federal operations and empowers state and local governments to manage their own risks, making the nation more resilient.

Who does this affect?

State and local governments
Federal agencies
Infrastructure owners and operators

What does this order do?

Creates a national resilience strategy

Requires the creation of a new national plan to make the country more resilient to threats. This strategy will be updated every four years.

Develops a national risk register

Directs the government to create a list that identifies and measures major risks to the nation's infrastructure. This list will help guide government and private spending.

Reviews critical infrastructure policies

Orders a review of all policies related to important infrastructure, like food and supply chains, to make them stronger and more secure.

Simplifies federal preparedness organization

Requires a plan to simplify the complicated way the federal government organizes its preparedness functions, making it easier for state and local governments to understand.

Updates national continuity policies

Calls for a review of plans that ensure the government can continue to operate during an emergency, with the goal of modernizing them.

Reforms preparedness and response policies

Orders a review of all national disaster preparedness and response policies to better define the federal government's role and move to a risk-focused approach.

What is the real world impact?

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Promotes local control over preparedness

Gives states and local communities more power to make decisions about their own infrastructure and safety, believing they know their own needs best.

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Increases government efficiency

Aims to streamline complicated federal rules and reduce overlapping responsibilities, which could save money and make government work better.

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Reduces federal responsibility in disasters

Shifts the primary role in preparing for and responding to threats to state and local governments, which could be seen as the federal government stepping back from its duties.

When does this start?

This order sets several deadlines for federal agencies to review policies and create new strategies over the next year.

National resilience strategy publication

Within 90 days of March 18, 2025, a National Resilience Strategy must be published.

Critical infrastructure policy review

Within 180 days of March 18, 2025, a review of all critical infrastructure policies must be completed and recommendations sent to the President.

National continuity policy review

Within 180 days of March 18, 2025, a review of all national continuity policies must be completed and recommendations sent to the President.

Preparedness and response policy review

Within 240 days of March 18, 2025, a review of all national preparedness and response policies must be completed and recommendations sent to the President.

National risk register development

Within 240 days of March 18, 2025, a National Risk Register must be developed to identify and measure risks to national infrastructure.

Proposal to simplify federal functions

Within 1 year of March 18, 2025, the Secretary of Homeland Security must propose changes to simplify the federal preparedness framework.