WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23) testified yesterday in favor of legislation she introduced to improve the management of coastal areas across the country at a hearing of the Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans Subcommittee of the Natural Resources Committee.

The Coastal State Renewable Energy Promotion Act (H.R. 5452) would establish a new coastal grant program under the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) to encourage coastal states to identify offshore areas for appropriate renewable energy, like wave and wind projects.  This type of advanced planning will expedite state review of future renewable energy projects.  The Coastal State Climate Change Planning Act (H.R. 5453) would also create a new CZMA grant program. It would provide coastal states with an incentive to modify their current coastal management programs to plan for the impacts of global warming, such as sea level rise.

“I’m glad the Subcommittee held a hearing on my bills to promote offshore renewable energy and address the impacts of global warming in the coastal zone,” said Capps.  “Global warming is a growing threat that will seriously challenge the entire planet, but ground zero for the immediate harmful impacts of global warming is our coastal states.  The legislation I’ve introduced takes a two pronged approach to address these challenges.  First, we encourage states to promote the development of offshore renewable energy by providing them with funding to survey their coasts to find areas suitable for development.  The overall goal is to promote this promising industry, while ensuring these projects do not pose a threat to the marine environment.  Second, we provide coastal states with the financial resources they need to confront the challenges and dangers presented by global warming.   This funding will allow them to develop plans to prevent and prepare for the unique set of challenges they are facing because of global warming.  I’ll be working to ensure these bills move through the committee process as soon as possible.”

The Coastal State Renewable Energy Promotion Act (H.R. 5452)

Summary

Under the Coastal Zone Management Act enhancement grant program states may develop plans for the use of ocean resources.  This bill would establish a new grant under this program to encourage coastal states to voluntarily complete surveys of the Outer Continental Shelf and adjacent coastal waters to characterize and identify areas that are suitable or unsuitable for the development of offshore renewable energy projects (i.e. wave, wind, tidal, thermal).  A savings clause is included in the bill to clearly state that it does not supersede or preempt existing Federal authority to regulate energy development in the OCS nor grant new authorities to the coastal states.

The Coastal State Climate Change Planning Act (H.R. 5453)

Summary

This bill amends the Coastal Zone Management Act to add a new coastal climate change adaptation grant program.  The program would provide grants to states to (1) voluntarily develop plans to amend existing state coastal management programs to address climate change impacts; and (2) provide project grants to implement strategies developed by those plans.  The Secretary would be required to publish guidelines within 180 days after the date of enactment after consultation with the states.  To be approved by the Secretary as coastal management program changes, the state plans would need to identify coastal areas at risk, develop strategies to address threats, and specify monitoring requirements to regularly assess conditions.

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.