Coastal Climate Change Legislation Introduced By Pallone

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Last week, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), along with other senators, announced legislation to help protect coastal communities from rising sea levels and stronger storms caused by climate change.

The Living Shorelines Act of 2021 would create two federal grant programs through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). One program will provide $50 million in federal funds for living shoreline construction projects. In comparison, the second program will provide $5 million in federal research grants for studying living shoreline development and effectiveness to learn how better to protect coastal communities and ecosystems from climate change.

Living shoreline infrastructure projects use natural materials and systems, including dunes, wetlands, and oyster reefs, to support the natural flood resilience of healthy shoreline ecosystems. Natural infrastructure is cost-effective and adaptable to changing environmental conditions. It also enhances ecosystem functions which can improve water quality and wildlife habitat protection. Certain types of living shorelines can also support carbon mitigation.

“The Living Shorelines Act will help us protect our coastal communities from the effects of climate change, including more flooding from sea level rise and stronger hurricanes, by harnessing proven natural infrastructure solutions. Since Superstorm Sandy, we have invested hundreds of millions of dollars to make my home state of New Jersey more resilient against the effects of climate change,” Pallone said in a press release.

“Strengthening living shorelines will also improve the local environment by supporting water quality and habitats for local wildlife and fish as well as provide enhanced opportunities for recreation. I look forward to working with Senators Murphy, Blumenthal, and Padilla in the Senate to advance this legislation.”