H.R.2990 - Coastal State Climate Preparedness Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2990, the Coastal State Climate Preparedness Act of 2025, aims to amend the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. It directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a coastal climate change adaptation preparedness and response program.
The program would provide financial and technical assistance to coastal states for developing and implementing climate change adaptation plans. These plans would address the negative consequences of climate change in coastal zones.
The bill also authorizes appropriations for grants under the new program, intending to support projects that improve coastal climate change adaptation.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would lead to the creation of a new federal program focused on coastal climate change adaptation. Coastal states would receive funding and guidance to develop and implement strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This could result in more resilient coastal communities and ecosystems.
It would incentivize states to proactively plan for and address climate-related challenges in their coastal zones. This includes protecting infrastructure, natural resources, and communities from the effects of sea-level rise, storms, and other climate-related hazards.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced Coastal Resilience: The bill supports projects that help coastal communities adapt to climate change impacts, such as sea-level rise and severe weather events.
- Protection of Coastal Resources: It promotes strategies to protect biodiversity, water quality, and critical habitats in coastal zones.
- Economic Benefits: Investments in climate adaptation can create jobs in sectors such as engineering, construction, and environmental restoration.
- Improved Planning and Preparedness: The bill encourages states to develop comprehensive climate change adaptation plans, leading to better preparedness for future challenges.
- Technical Assistance and Training: The program provides technical assistance and training to local policymakers, increasing awareness and expertise in climate change adaptation strategies.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Bureaucracy: Creating a new federal program could lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies and delays in the distribution of funds.
- Federal Overreach: Some may argue that the bill infringes on state sovereignty by imposing federal guidelines on coastal zone management.
- Funding Requirements: The bill authorizes appropriations but does not guarantee that sufficient funds will be allocated to fully implement the program.
- Economic Burden: The costs associated with developing and implementing climate change adaptation plans could place a financial burden on coastal states.
- Limited Scope: The bill focuses specifically on coastal zones, potentially neglecting other regions that may also be vulnerable to climate change impacts.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states. Coastal zone management and climate change adaptation can be argued to have a substantial effect on interstate commerce.
Additionally, the bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights. It explicitly states that it should not be construed to require any coastal state to amend or modify its approved management program, respecting state autonomy.
However, some might argue that the Tenth Amendment, reserving powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, could be invoked if the federal government exerts excessive control over state coastal management plans.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).