Carbajal, Fitzpatrick Reintroduce Bipartisan Bills to Protect U.S. Coastlines and Marine Ecosystems

Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) reintroduced two bipartisan bills focused on addressing the effects of climate change on U.S. coastlines, coastal communities, and marine ecosystems.

“The climate crisis is hitting our coasts hard — from eroding beaches and stronger storms to declining fisheries. Regions like the Central Coast are already feeling the impact and need federal support to adapt,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I’m proud to work with Rep. Fitzpatrick to reintroduce two bipartisan bills that will provide coastal states with the tools they need to study and address the threats to our oceans and fisheries.”

“The increasing threat of wildfires has become one of the most critical public safety and environmental challenges of our time. Wildfires take lives, destroy communities, and place immense pressure on our brave first responders. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I’ve prioritized advancing practical, preventative solutions to stop these disasters before they start. The Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act does just that—a commonsense measure to streamline the removal of hazardous trees on federal lands, help us better protect lives, safeguard property, and preserve the vital natural resources our communities depend on,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

The Coastal State Climate Preparedness Act would provide grants to coastal states in order to help them plan and implement strategies to mitigate climate change, prepare for sea level rise, and address other impacts.

The bill allows states to use these grants for climate change adaptation, and to protect infrastructure and coastal ecosystems.

The Ocean Acidification Research Partnership Act would authorize up to $5 million in research grants for studies on the effects of ocean acidification, a rapidly worsening climate threat that imperils U.S. fishing and tourism industries.

Worsening ocean acidification threatens billions of dollars in U.S. economic activity and tens of thousands of U.S. jobs, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The text of the Coastal State Climate Preparedness Act can be found HERE.

The text of the Ocean Acidification Research Partnership Act can be found HERE.