WASHINGTON, D.C. – The bipartisan Bolstering Ecosystems Against Coastal Harm Act, now signed into law by President Biden, will protect critical coastal communities and habitats that are increasingly threatened by the impacts of the climate crisis. The law will expand the successful Coastal Barrier Resources Act, which ensures that taxpayer funds are not spent on development in coastal habitats or areas under threat of extreme weather.

“Healthy coastal ecosystems provide numerous protections and benefits to both people and wildlife,” said Emily Donahoe, policy specialist for resilient coasts and floodplains at the National Wildlife Federation. “We thank President Biden, Senator Carper, Senator Graham, Congresswoman Blunt Rochester and Congresswoman Kiggans for their hard work in passing the BEACH Act, which marks a significant step forward in improving the resiliency of our coastlines, protecting critical habitats, and saving taxpayer dollars.”