Alabama House Bill HB20

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/23
• Refer: 2/8/23
• Report Pass: 4/5/23

Caption

Relating to coastal areas; to provide for permits for living shoreline restoration from the State Lands Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Management and for the use of source sediment by riparian property owners.

Impact

The legislation is significant as it establishes permitting processes through the State Lands Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Management. This means that property owners can secure permits to dredge sand and sediment from their riparian areas, which can then be utilized for their living shoreline efforts. The permit fee is set at half the cost of fees required for traditional structures like seawalls, making it financially accessible for property owners. This approach also aligns with broader environmental objectives by sustaining coastal ecosystems and enhancing community resilience against coastal hazards.

Summary

House Bill 20, also known as the Joe Faust Living Shoreline Act, proposes to provide a regulatory framework for shoreline restoration projects carried out by riparian property owners in coastal areas. The bill seeks to promote the use of living shoreline techniques, such as the planting of native vegetation and the use of wave attenuation structures, as alternatives to conventional vertical seawalls or bulkheads. By encouraging more natural restoration methods, HB20 aims to foster sustainable coastal development while also addressing issues related to erosion and habitat restoration.

Contention

While the bill focuses on environmental benefits, there may be concerns surrounding the implications of allowing property owners to conduct dredging activities. Opponents might argue about potential environmental impacts, such as disturbances to local ecosystems and changes to sediment dynamics. The bill's supporters, however, emphasize the public interests in reducing erosion and restoring wildlife habitats, aiming to strike a balance between property rights and environmental stewardship.

Notable_points

Overall, HB20 represents an evolving legislative approach to coastal management by integrating property owner participation and environmental conservation. This act could set a precedent for future policies addressing coastal vulnerabilities and restoration practices. The successful implementation of this act likely depends on the collaboration between state agencies and property owners to ensure that shoreline restoration efforts fulfill their intended ecological objectives.