Posted on April 30, 2025
A bipartisan coalition in Congress has introduced the Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act of 2025, aimed at strengthening U.S. coastal and estuarine ecosystems that are increasingly at risk from extreme weather and sea level rise. Sponsored by Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA-49) and supported by seven cosponsors—including both Democrats and Republicans—the legislation proposes expanding conservation efforts, restoring degraded lands, and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable coastal communities.
The bill amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to formally establish a Coastal and Estuarine Resilience and Restoration Program within the Department of Commerce. The program would work with states, regional governments, the National Estuarine Research Reserves, and eligible nonprofit organizations to protect areas with high ecological, recreational, and cultural value that are threatened by development, degradation, or climate-related impacts.
The timing of the bill reflects the mounting urgency across coastal states. In recent months, extreme weather events have devastated communities along the Gulf Coast and Eastern Seaboard. A series of “king tides” combined with intensified storm surges have inundated low-lying neighborhoods from Florida to Virginia, while California’s coastline faces accelerating erosion rates. According to NOAA, coastal flooding events have increased fivefold since 2000, a trend expected to worsen as sea levels are projected to rise between 10 to 12 inches by 2050.
Key Provisions of the Act
- Land Protection and Restoration: Priority would be given to lands that offer critical ecological services, provide storm surge buffers, or enable inland migration of coastal ecosystems as sea levels rise.
- Support for Disadvantaged Communities: Special emphasis is placed on assisting low-income communities that lack the resources to adequately prepare for or recover from coastal hazards.
- Expanded Research and Monitoring: The bill directs the establishment of long-term data tracking programs for estuarine systems to better understand and respond to climate change impacts, such as fluctuating sea levels and ecosystem degradation.
- Enhancement of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System: At least five new reserves would be designated within eight years, focusing on geographic diversity and representation across all coastal states.
A Response to Escalating Environmental Risks
The introduction of the Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act comes as federal and state agencies increasingly recognize the economic and environmental costs of coastal vulnerability. NOAA’s 2024 State of U.S. High Tide Flooding report revealed that the nation experienced a record 180 high-tide flooding days last year, disrupting transportation, property markets, and local economies.
In addition, the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) synthesis report emphasized that investing in nature-based solutions—such as wetland restoration and mangrove conservation—is among the most cost-effective strategies for climate adaptation and resilience.
Rep. Levin in a statement introducing the bill,
“Healthy estuarine and coastal ecosystems are frontline defenses against the growing threats posed by climate change. This legislation not only protects vital habitats but also helps safeguard the livelihoods of millions of Americans who live, work, and recreate along our shores.”
Outlook
As of April 2025, there is no publicly documented opposition to the H.R. 2786. The bill has garnered bipartisan support, with cosponsors from both parties and endorsements from various environmental organizations, including the Coastal States Organization, National Estuarine Research Reserve Association, and the National Audubon Society.
While there is no direct opposition to H.R. 2786, it’s worth noting that some legislators have proposed cuts to coastal resilience funding in broader legislative contexts. For instance, H.R. 7408, introduced by Rep. Bruce Westerman, seeks to rescind $700 million allocated to NOAA for coastal resilience under the Inflation Reduction Act. This proposal has faced opposition from environmental groups concerned about the potential impact on coastal communities.
With bipartisan support, including early cosponsors such as Reps. Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA-2) and Brian Mast (R-FL-21), the bill faces favorable prospects in a divided Congress eager to demonstrate tangible action on climate resilience. If passed, it would mark one of the most significant updates to coastal protection policy in over a decade, aligning environmental stewardship with economic and community protection goals at a critical time for U.S. coastal regions.
