Bill 118 hr 5490, also known as the Bolstering Ecosystems Against Coastal Harm Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change and sea level rise.
The bill focuses on providing funding and resources for projects that aim to restore and protect coastal ecosystems such as wetlands, mangroves, and coral reefs. These ecosystems play a crucial role in providing natural barriers against coastal erosion, storm surges, and flooding, as well as supporting biodiversity and providing habitat for marine life.
The Bolstering Ecosystems Against Coastal Harm Act also emphasizes the importance of incorporating nature-based solutions into coastal management strategies, such as using natural infrastructure like dunes and marshes to protect coastal communities from the impacts of climate change.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions for monitoring and research to better understand the role of coastal ecosystems in climate resilience and to inform future conservation efforts. It also calls for collaboration between federal, state, and local governments, as well as non-profit organizations and private stakeholders, to work together towards the common goal of protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems.
Overall, the Bolstering Ecosystems Against Coastal Harm Act seeks to address the urgent need for proactive measures to protect coastal ecosystems in the face of climate change and rising sea levels, in order to safeguard both the environment and the communities that rely on these valuable natural resources.