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118-hr-5490118th CongressWALLET

Bolstering Ecosystems Against Coastal Harm Act

Sponsored By: Representative Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]

Became Law

Summary

Expands and updates the Coastal Barrier Resources System to cover more coastal features and clarify where federal money can be used. It modernizes the system's maps, requires property-disclosure rules, and creates narrow exceptions for disaster response, certain aquaculture, and specified sand uses.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Emergency coastal aid allowed and clarified

The law allows federal emergency actions inside Coastal Barrier units when needed to save lives and protect property and health under the Stafford Act. Spending is limited to what is needed to address the emergency. Within one year, all agencies must update rules to follow this law, and Interior with the Army Corps must issue guidance on using emergency funds near these units. The law also validates past emergency beach projects that took sand from a unit at least once between December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2023.

Study on safer coastal barriers

Interior must study how this law can better reduce loss of life, wasteful federal spending, and damage to fish and wildlife. The study uses the best science, includes case studies, and takes public comments. The Secretary sends a report to Congress within two years of enactment.

Broader coastal barrier maps and rules

The law updates the official maps that define the Coastal Barrier Resources System and renames one unit Halls Island Unit C14. It includes new official map panels dated December 18, 2020; September 8, 2023; and May 21, 2024, kept on file by Interior for public inspection. It broadens “coastal barrier” to include wetlands, marshes, estuaries, inlets, and nearshore waters. It clarifies “financial assistance” to include loans, grants, guaranties, and federal flood insurance, with certain exclusions. These changes can shift whether federal money or insurance limits apply to specific properties.

Flood insurance rules in protected areas

In Otherwise Protected Areas, the usual ban on new federal spending and aid does not apply. Limits on new federal flood insurance still apply. New flood insurance is allowed only if the building’s use matches the area’s protection purpose.

One-year grace for new coastal areas

When an area is newly added to the System, federal spending and assistance limits begin one year after the addition date. An “insurable structure” that already exists before that one-year cutoff is exempt from the ban. This timing applies only to additions made on or after enactment.

Some aquaculture allowed in protected coasts

The law allows certain aquaculture inside Coastal Barrier units. Operations must grow shellfish or algae, or not need aquaculture feed, and follow best practices and conservation measures set by the Secretary. If both conditions are met, the business may operate despite other limits.

Funding to run coastal barrier program

The law authorizes funding for Interior to carry out this Act. It authorizes $2 million each year for 2006–2010 and $1.962 million each year for 2025–2031. Congress must still appropriate the money.

Sellers must disclose coastal barrier status

Within two years, Interior, in consultation with Housing and Urban Development, issues rules that require owners and landlords in affected communities to tell buyers or renters a property’s Coastal Barrier status. The Fish and Wildlife Service determines which communities are affected. This helps people understand risk and possible aid limits before they sign.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]

VA • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE]

    DE • D

    Sponsored 5/31/2024

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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