Chamber Urges FEMA to Adopt “Least Burdensome Path Forward” for NFIP-ESA Integration

New rule proposals from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stand to reshape the way Oregon communities plan for and permit development in floodplain areas. By requiring integration of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) into the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), FEMA’s changes would impact most of Oregon’s counties and could threaten access to federally backed flood insurance. Urging a practical path forward, the Springfield Chamber has submitted formal comments advocating for adoption of Alternative 1 in FEMA’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Implementation Plan.

In their testimony, the Chamber made clear that Springfield’s employers and community partners need regulatory certainty that protects housing, commercial, and industrial growth without imposing excessive costs, delays, or land-use restrictions. Alternatives 2 and 3, with their “no net loss” standards, would drive up project costs by as much as 30%, reduce Springfield’s buildable land supply, and jeopardize critical housing, healthcare, industrial, and tourism investments already in the pipeline.

The Springfield Chamber’s message to FEMA: adopt the least burdensome path forward – one that preserves local decision-making, keeps NFIP eligibility intact, and allows communities like Springfield to keep building homes, creating jobs, and growing the local economy.

• Read the full letter submitted by Springfield Chamber leadership HERE
• ACTION ALERT: Submit your own comments by Monday, October 6, 2025 HERE

The Springfield Chamber supports policies that create an adequate supply of commercial and industrial land while eliminating unnecessary barriers to development. They believe that regulatory measures should be reasonable, consistent, and foster business growth without imposing excessive costs or restrictions. Specifically, the Chamber’s policy guidelines read:

• Adequate Land Supply: We advocate for maintaining an inventory of buildable lands that is sufficient to meet Springfield’s commercial and industrial needs and to support job creation.
• Reasonable Regulation: We oppose regulatory overreach, particularly when it leads to excessive, duplicative, or costly requirements that hinder economic development and growth.
• Balanced Environmental Policies: We support environmental policies that promote sustainability while also fostering economic opportunity. It’s crucial that environmental regulations do not unnecessarily stifle growth and development.

More About the Springfield Chamber’s Business Advocacy Efforts
As a trusted convener and provider of business resources, the Springfield Chamber is committed to fostering policies and incentives that contribute to our competitive position in private sector job creation, retention, and economic growth. The Chamber recognizes the systemic interdependencies of a healthy economy and provides an ear and a voice for local business at the confluence of government, commerce, and community. Through a robust platform of member advocacy services, the Chamber advocates for business by increasing visibility, dialogue, and representation at local, state, and federal policy circles around issues of impact and interest to their members.