Coastal resiliency planning bill introduced by Mast

Bipartisan legislation introduced this week by U.S. Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) aims to support the coastal resilience planning missions of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Ocean Service. 

Rep. Mast is the original cosponsor of the National Ocean and Coastal Security Improvements Act, H.R. 3892, which was introduced with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) to improve coastal infrastructure and support coastal research, resiliency, conservation, and restoration efforts.

“In Florida, we know all too well that the cliché that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is especially true when it comes to our environment,” Rep. Mast said. “Making this investment now is critical to heading off an even more expensive mess in the future.”

If enacted, H.R. 3892 would authorize federal support for NOAA and National Ocean Service missions by helping coastal communities effectively respond to new threats to infrastructure, local economies, ecosystem health, and national security, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Mast’s office.

Additionally, the bill would improve upon the current coastal resilience program by clarifying definitions for “tidal shoreline” and “Indian Tribe,” specifying percentages for how the National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund should be used for federal grants and detailing specific eligible uses for the fund’s grant programs, the summary says.

“We are already beginning to experience the effects of sea-level rise both here in Virginia’s Eighth District and across the country, which is the reason resiliency planning is so important,” said Rep. Beyer. “Congress must do more to enhance coastal resilience efforts.”

H.R. 3892 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee and the U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.