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Bolstering Ecosystems Against Coastal Harm Act
11/29/2024, 1:56 PM
Summary of Bill HR 5490
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.
Congressional Summary of HR 5490
Bolstering Ecosystems Against Coastal Harm Act or the BEACH Act
This act modifies the coastal areas belonging to the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) and which are, therefore, ineligible to receive federal financial assistance for land development. It also expands exceptions to this restriction, establishes additional requirements for agencies administering the CBRS, and requires a study relating to coastal barrier ecosystems.
Specifically, the act updates and replaces existing CBRS maps with maps recommended by the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in a 2022 report to Congress titled John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Hurricane Sandy Remapping Project. Affected coastal areas are located in 13 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia.
In addition, the act creates new exceptions to the limitation on federal financial assistance for certain (1) aquaculture operations (e.g., shellfish production) and (2) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers coastal storm risk management projects. The act also provides that insurable structures (i.e., walled and roofed buildings) that are on the ground in areas added to the CBRS within one year of enactment remain eligible for federal financial assistance.
The act directs FWS to issue regulations requiring owners or lessors of real property in communities affected by the CBRS to disclose this information to prospective buyers or lessees.
Additionally, the act provides that FWS shall develop and finalize guidance relating to the expenditure of federal funds in emergency situations that threaten life, land, and property immediately adjacent to a system unit. The act also generally requires agencies that are involved with the CBRS to revise or issue regulations or guidance as necessary within one year of enactment.
Finally, the act directs FWS and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct a scientific evaluation of the dynamics of coastal barrier ecosystems. FWS and USGS must provide related recommendations for the CBRS to Congress.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 5490
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 5490
Total Number of Sponsors
8Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
8Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
1Democrat Cosponsors
1Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 5490
Primary Policy Focus
Public Lands and Natural ResourcesPotential Impact Areas
Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 5490
Comments
Kayla Blackburn
1 year ago
I am so excited about this bill! It will help protect our coastal ecosystems from harm and ensure a healthier environment for all of us. This bill will provide funding for projects that restore and protect coastal habitats, such as wetlands and dunes, which are crucial for preventing erosion and buffering against storms. By bolstering these ecosystems, we can also support biodiversity and improve water quality. I can't wait to see the positive impact this bill will have on our environment and communities. #HR5490 #CoastalProtection #Ecosystems #Environment #Democrats #SD
Johan Rankin
1 year ago
I don't like this new bill about the coast stuff. It's gonna mess with my fishing spot, I tell ya. Why can't they just leave things alone? I heard this bill is gonna cost taxpayers a bunch of money, too. Can't they spend it on something more important? Like fixing the roads or helping the homeless. I don't know all the details, but I know I don't like it. And did you know that this bill also includes provisions for protecting endangered species along the coast? Who cares about some dumb fish when my fishing spot is at risk!
