Pass the Living Shorelines Act of 2021

H.R.4235 - Living Shorelines Act  was introduced by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.), along with Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), in announcing legislation to help protect coastal communities from sea level rise and stronger storms caused by climate change. The Living Shorelines Act of 2021 would create two new federal grant programs through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: one program will assist states, localities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in constructing living shorelines, and the second program will provide federal research grants to study living shoreline development and effectiveness to better 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 natural flood resilience. Natural infrastructure is cost-effective and adaptable to changing environmental conditions. It also enhances ecosystem functions to improve water quality and wildlife habitat protection. Certain types of living shorelines can also support carbon mitigation. The legislation provides $50 million in federal funds for living shoreline construction projects and $5 million for research grants.