Carbajal Coastal Climate Preparedness Bill Has First Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.,
July 25, 2019
Today, Rep. Salud Carbajal’s bipartisan Coastal State Climate Preparedness Act, H.R. 3541, had its first hearing in the House Natural Resources Committee. This hearing moves the bill one step closer to passage in the House. “I am here today because we know that climate change is real and we need to take action,” said Rep. Carbajal at the hearing today. “Coastal communities, like mine, are at the forefront of this crisis. The City of Santa Barbara expects sea levels to rise by over 6 feet by the end of the century. In San Luis Obispo County, Morro Bay conducted a vulnerability assessment that found the city and its infrastructure are susceptible to the threats of rising sea levels...We have a moral responsibility to act now.” The Coastal State Climate Preparedness Act would provide voluntary 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. It also allows states to use these grants for climate change adaptation, and to protect infrastructure and coastal ecosystems. The bipartisan bill is cosponsored by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Rep. Francis Rooney (R-FL). Full bill text available here. |
