Nevada Emergency Chief Warns Federal Overhaul Poses ‘9/11 Equivalent’ Challenge to State Disaster Response

Top Nevada official says state is facing '9/11 equivalent' for emergency management – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)

Nevada’s top homeland security official has described upcoming federal changes as a crisis on the scale of a “9/11 equivalent” for the state’s emergency management system. Brett Compston, chief of the Nevada Office of Emergency Management and homeland security adviser to Gov. Joe Lombardo, made the assessment this week as a Trump-appointed panel advanced plans to move many disaster responsibilities away from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The proposals would raise the bar for federal aid and require states to handle more incidents on their own.

Panel Proposals Shift Burden to States

A series of recommendations released by the panel would make it more difficult for Nevada to qualify for federal emergency assistance. Thresholds for declaring a disaster would rise, and states would face tighter rules on how certain funds can be used. Compston noted that many of the ideas still need congressional approval, yet they signal a clear policy direction. The federal government has indicated that states and local governments will now “own disasters,” with FEMA expected to respond only to the largest events such as wars, major earthquakes, or major hurricanes. This approach follows a 118-day shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security that already delayed grant disbursements to Nevada communities. Additional strains have come from sudden changes to federal grant programs and reduced on-the-ground federal support after emergencies.

Heavy Reliance on Federal Funds Creates Immediate Pressure

Compston explained that his office can no longer count on the same level of federal support. In the current budget year, federal dollars make up 81 percent of the agency’s funding, including salaries for 84 percent of its staff. The shift is already influencing how the office prepares its next budget in coordination with the governor’s office. Lawmakers, including Sen. John Steinbeck, a former Clark County fire chief, have raised questions about how the changes will affect agency operations. Lombardo’s office has not yet commented on the matter. The timing adds to existing difficulties, including delays in grant distribution caused by the earlier federal shutdown.

State Builds New Tools and Partnerships

In response, the Nevada Office of Emergency Management is developing several safeguards. Officials are establishing a reserve program and securing pre-negotiated contracts with outside providers so that resources can be activated quickly during an emergency. The state has also reached agreements with other states to share emergency assets when needed. Compston said he wants to create a mobile app that would serve as a single source of information for residents during crises. “What is Nevada doing? Everything I possibly can,” he said. These steps aim to reduce dependence on federal timelines while maintaining readiness for events that exceed local capacity.

Wildfire and Cyber Risks Add Urgency

The potential changes arrive as Nevada confronts growing threats from advanced cyber attacks, fueled in part by artificial intelligence, and the persistent danger of wildfires. Lower-than-average snowfall this season has raised concerns about fire conditions this summer. “We expect that we will probably pay our dues this summer in regards to fire here in this state,” Compston said. The combination of reduced federal backstop support and these environmental pressures leaves the state preparing for a period of heightened self-reliance in disaster response. The proposals reflect a broader effort to redefine the federal role in emergencies, leaving states like Nevada to accelerate their own planning and resource development.