WASHINGTON, D.C. — New legislation from U.S. Senators Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Congressman Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) will help provide critical grants to coastal communities to promote resilience and support wildlife. The Living Shorelines Act of 2019, introduced today in both the Senate and House, will support the use of living shorelines as natural solutions to climate-fueled severe weather and flooding — and ensure they are part of the national strategy to enhance coastal resilience. 

“Living shorelines are an important and adaptable tool to help coastal communities become more resilient while improving habitat for wildlife,” said Jessie Ritter, director of water resources and coastal policy at the National Wildlife Federation. “In the face of severe storms and flooding, the Living Shorelines Act of 2019 will enable more communities to use nature-based solutions to help protect their coastlines. Importantly, the Living Shorelines Act of 2019 will further demonstrate and measure how living shorelines projects protect communities — ultimately helping us improve their design and effectiveness. Thank you to Senators Harris and Murphy and Congressman Pallone for their leadership on this critical issue for wildlife and coastal communities alike.”