Environment (Coastal & Flood Protection)

in committee · United States · House Jan 23, 2025

HR 644: Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025

This bill amends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to strengthen federal efforts addressing harmful algal blooms (HABs) and hypoxia events. It requires a federal Task Force to develop a comprehensive Action Strategy every five years examining causes, ecological impacts, and economic consequences of HABs across marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems, including the Great Lakes and coastal waters. The bill establishes a National-Level Incubator Program to fund innovative prevention and control strategies, with priority given to solutions protecting public health, biodiversity, and vulnerable communities. It mandates enhanced coordination among federal agencies, states, Indian tribes, and local communities to improve monitoring, forecasting, and response capabilities for HAB events. The bill authorizes $19.5 million annually for NOAA and $8 million annually for EPA to implement these provisions from 2026-2030.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens federal efforts to address harmful algal blooms and hypoxia through research, strategy development, and funding programs, directly protecting water ecosystems and public health from environmental harm.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

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in committee · United States · House Nov 21, 2025

HR 6256: Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act

HR 6256, the Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act, simplifies regulatory processes for communities and landowners undertaking projects to restore natural floodplain functions. It exempts such projects from standard flood insurance map change fees and allows limited increases in flood levels (up to 1 foot) in designated floodways, provided projects don’t harm critical infrastructure and communities submit post-completion analysis within 180 days. The bill amends existing flood insurance law to prioritize ecosystem restoration by adjusting fee and approval requirements, directly affecting local governments managing floodplains and developers working on restoration projects.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRestores natural floodplain functions, promoting ecosystem conservation and reducing flood risks without weakening environmental standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Natural Disasters Water Quality

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 5, 2025

S 1968: Working Waterfronts Act of 2025

The Working Waterfronts Act of 2025 provides financial support to coastal communities and industries through multiple programs. It creates a tax credit for hydroelectric facilities that improve fish passage and water quality, offers Department of Agriculture loans and grants for fishing and mariculture businesses, and establishes grants to support rural seafood processing infrastructure. The bill also includes a working waterfronts preservation grant program to protect areas used by commercial fishing, mariculture, and boatbuilding industries, and creates a maritime workforce grant program to support training and education. These provisions directly affect commercial fishing businesses, seafood processors, coastal communities, and maritime workers.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax credit for hydroelectric facilities and funds grants for coastal industries, advancing fiscal support for waterfront communities through targeted spending and tax relief.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill creates tax credit for hydroelectric facilities improving fish passage/water quality, directly promoting renewable energy infrastructure and clean energy investment.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentTax credits require hydroelectric facilities to improve fish passage and water quality, and preservation grants protect waterfront areas, directly advancing environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Hydroelectric Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Water Quality

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passed · United States · Senate Mar 24, 2026

S 843: Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025

This bill amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act to create new provisions specifically for sea turtles. It establishes a dedicated $5 million annual grant program (2025-2030) for sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation, funded through a new "Sea Turtle Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Rapid Response Fund" with $500,000 yearly. Eligible applicants include coastal organizations with Endangered Species Act authorizations or cooperative agreements, required to follow specific care standards and data reporting. The law directly affects wildlife rehabilitation groups and coastal communities handling stranded sea turtles by providing targeted federal funding and clear grant eligibility criteria.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates $5M annual grants for sea turtle rescue/rehabilitation, directly advancing conservation of endangered species under environmental protection framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Wildlife

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in committee · United States · House Nov 8, 2025

HR 5966: Ohio River Restoration Program Act

HR 5966 establishes the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to advance large-scale restoration and protection of the Ohio River Basin. The program, funded with $350 million annually from 2026-2030, directs the EPA to create a dedicated Program Office and advisory council including representatives from the 14 Ohio River Basin states, tribal governments, and regional agencies. It requires projects to improve water quality, increase flood resilience, restore habitats, control invasive species, and remediate toxins - prioritizing natural infrastructure like restored wetlands over traditional structures. The program mandates annual public reporting on progress, funding use, and project outcomes, with the EPA developing a detailed action plan within two years of enactment.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds $350M EPA program for Ohio River Basin restoration, water quality improvement, and flood resilience - directly advancing environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

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in committee · United States · Senate Feb 11, 2025

S 508: BEACH Act of 2025

The BEACH Act of 2025 updates federal water quality monitoring for coastal areas by expanding the definition of covered waters to include nearby shallow upstream waters and areas "adjacent to or present on" public beaches. It allows states and local governments using federal grants to identify specific pollution sources in these waters, rather than just monitoring general water quality. The bill extends annual funding for the program from $30 million per year through 2029 (previously 2001-2005) and requires the Environmental Protection Agency to update guidance to reflect new water testing technologies. This directly affects coastal states managing beach water quality and public health notifications.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill extends annual funding for water quality monitoring program from $30M/year through 2029, strengthening federal environmental oversight and public services.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExpands water quality monitoring to identify pollution sources, extends $30M annual funding for coastal protection, and strengthens regulatory oversight of coastal waters.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Drinking Water Water Quality

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in committee · United States · House Dec 1, 2025

HR 5735: Coastal Infrastructure Improvement Act

HR 5735, the Coastal Infrastructure Improvement Act, establishes a 6-year federal research program to develop nature-inspired erosion control technologies for coastal areas. The bill directly affects coastal communities vulnerable to flooding and erosion by funding research into alternatives to traditional hard structures like seawalls. Key provisions require the Army Corps of Engineers to study biomimetic methods (such as systems mimicking natural processes) that protect shorelines while supporting ecosystems, with research conducted across diverse geographic locations. The program mandates annual reports to Congress evaluating outcomes and recommending future action, focusing on cost-effective, habitat-friendly solutions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds research into nature-inspired erosion control, replacing hard structures with eco-friendly methods to protect shorelines and coastal ecosystems.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFunds federal research program developing nature-inspired erosion control technologies, directly advancing environmental tech applications through biomimetic methods.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

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in committee · United States · Senate May 13, 2025

S 1724: Town of North Topsail Beach Coastal Barrier Resources System Map Amendment Act of 2025

This bill amends the map for Unit L06 of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System to exclude specific parcels in North Topsail Beach, North Carolina, that are zoned for non-conservation uses under local regulations. It requires the Secretary of the Interior to correct the map within 30 days of enactment, removing these parcels from the system. This change directly affects the town's land by lifting federal restrictions on development and federal funding that previously applied to those areas. The amendment applies only to parcels within North Topsail Beach's municipal boundaries in Unit L06.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExcludes parcels from CBRS, lifting federal conservation restrictions and development limits, weakening environmental protections for coastal areas.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation

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in committee · United States · Senate May 6, 2025

S 1615: Northwest Wetlands Voluntary Incentives Program Act

S 1615 establishes a voluntary grant program to restore habitats for migratory birds in the Oregon and Washington coastal zone and Columbia River Basin. It provides competitive grants to eligible entities - including state/local governments, tribes, nonprofits, and private landowners - to fund habitat restoration projects focused on shorebirds, waterfowl, and other wetlands-dependent species. Projects must include a 25% non-Federal matching contribution and prioritize areas with rapid habitat loss or limited public access. The program authorizes $10 million annually (2026-2030) for grants and technical assistance, with strict rules prohibiting use for existing environmental compliance obligations. Grants cover project planning, infrastructure, and ecosystem assessment (up to 10% each), but not routine maintenance.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes voluntary grants for wetlands habitat restoration, directly conserving natural resources and protecting migratory species in critical ecosystems.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · United States · House Sep 9, 2025

HR 3654: TERRA Act

The TERRA Act enables Indian Tribes to integrate funding from multiple federal programs into comprehensive plans addressing environmental threats and natural disasters, including climate impacts like flooding, erosion, wildfires, and sea level rise. The bill streamlines administrative processes by requiring only a single annual report instead of multiple reports from individual programs and allows tribes to reallocate funds across different services as needed. It establishes a streamlined permitting process for environmental reviews and creates an expedited fee-to-trust process for land acquisitions to support community-driven relocation efforts. The Act aims to reduce bureaucratic barriers while empowering tribes to address environmental challenges through their own community-driven strategies within the federal trust responsibility framework.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enables tribes to address climate impacts and environmental threats through integrated funding and streamlined processes, advancing protection efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Natural Disasters Tags Tribal Nations

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