Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB9912

Introduced
10/4/24  

Caption

Coastal Restoration Act of 2024

Impact

This legislation is expected to significantly reinforce current state laws related to environmental protection and resource management by creating a coordinated federal approach to the sustainable management of coastal areas. It outlines pilot programs designed to protect existing ecosystems and restore damaged ones, simultaneously enhancing local biodiversity and contributing to flood mitigation, erosion control, and water quality improvement. Moreover, the bill authorizes appropriations of $15 million annually through 2029 to fund these initiatives, which reflects a commitment to long-term investment in environmental sustainability.

Summary

House Bill 9912, also known as the Coastal Restoration Act of 2024, aims to establish a structured framework for enhancing the protection and restoration of coastal blue carbon ecosystems across the United States. The bill mandates the creation of an Interagency Working Group on Coastal Blue Carbon under the National Science and Technology Council to produce a national map and inventory of these vital ecosystems. Coastal blue carbon ecosystems, such as mangroves and tidal marshes, play a crucial role in sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thereby mitigating climate change impacts.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to foster significant environmental benefits, it also faces scrutiny regarding the potential impact on local governance and management practices. Critics might raise concerns about the centralization of authority at the federal level, arguing that local communities should have a more significant role in decision-making processes related to their environmental management. Additionally, discussions around funding allocation, effective implementation, and measurable outcomes of the proposed programs will likely be points of contention among lawmakers and stakeholders.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB1196

Don Young Restoration Grants for Coastlines and Fisheries Act of 2023

US HB7106

National Oceans and Coastal Security Improvements Act of 2024

US HB1461

Coastal Seaweed Farm Act of 2023

US HB9776

Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity Conservation Act of 2024

US HB6841

To amend the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to allow the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Coastal and Estuarine Resilience and Restoration Program, and for other purposes.

US AB1407

Coastal resources: ocean recovery and restoration: large-scale restoration: artificial reefs.

US HB2990

Coastal State Climate Preparedness Act of 2025

US HB9640

Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act

US HB2977

MRRRI Act Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative Act

US HB5457

Carbon Dioxide Removal Research and Development Act of 2023

Similar Bills

US HB9867

Combatting Global Deforestation Act of 2024

US SB5629

A bill to support marine carbon dioxide removal activities, and for other purposes.

US HB5457

Carbon Dioxide Removal Research and Development Act of 2023

US SB2812

Carbon Dioxide Removal Research and Development Act of 2023

US HB8788

Fisheries Improvement and Seafood Health Act of 2024

US SB4462

National Interagency Seed and Restoration Center Establishment Act

US HB664

American Seabed Protection Act

US HR1563

Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy climate for future generations, and thus to restoring the climate.