Reps. Carbajal and Fitzpatrick Reintroduce Bipartisan Bills to Protect U.S. Coastlines, Promote Ocean Health
Washington,
July 21, 2022
The Coastal State Climate Preparedness Act would provide grants to states to help mitigate impacts of climate change and rising sea levels. The Ocean Acidification Research Partnership Act would promote ocean acidification research to better understand causes, impacts, and solutions
Today, Congressman Salud Carbajal (D- Calif.) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.) reintroduced two bipartisan bills aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change on U.S. coastlines, coastal communities, and oceans, as well as the wide range of communities and industries that rely on them. “The climate crisis threatens all industries and communities, but one of the most acute ways that our nation is already feeling the impacts of climate change is through the rapidly-changing face of our oceans and coastlines. Whether it’s reduced capacity to fish, the erosion of our beaches, worsening storm surges and hurricanes, or devastation of our storied coastlines – coastal communities like mine will see widespread impacts and need support to navigate these challenges,” said Congressman Carbajal. “I’m proud to partner across the aisle with Rep. Fitzpatrick to re-introduce these two critical bills that will help coastal communities navigate the impacts of climate change and promote research on growing threats to our fisheries and all who rely on them.” "Our nation's marine life, aquatic ecosystems, and biodiversity should be safeguarded, and I am proud to support these bills which will allow for their protection," said Congressman Fitzpatrick. "By improving our conservation of America's coasts, oceans, and wildlife, we will better preserve our country and its future." The Coastal State Climate Preparedness Act would provide grants to coastal states in order to help them plan and implement strategies to mitigate climate change, prepare for sea level rise and address other impacts. The bill allows states to use these grants for climate change adaptation, and to protect infrastructure and coastal ecosystems. This legislation was advanced out of the House in the previous session of Congress. The Ocean Acidification Research Partnership Act would authorize up to $5 million in research grants for studies on the effects of ocean acidification, a rapidly worsening climate threat that imperils U.S. fishing and tourism industries. According to a report released by the United Nations, worsening ocean acidification caused by both runoff-induced nutrient pollution and atmospheric carbon pollution will cost the world economy more than $1 trillion annually by 2100. Worsening ocean acidification threatens billions of dollars in U.S. economic activity and tens of thousands of U.S. jobs, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The text of the Coastal State Climate Preparedness Act can be found HERE. The text of the Ocean Acidification Research Partnership Act can be found HERE. |
