Out of 30 coastal states and U.S. territories, 22 are performing at adequate to poor levels according to the Surfrider Foundation’s 2017 State of the Beach Report Card.
The report suggests that the majority of coastal states need to make improvements and need support at the federal level for the Coastal Zone Management Act and more federal agency funding to protect coastlines. Coastal erosion causes about $500 million in coastal property loss annually in the U.S., including damage to structures and loss of land.
The federal government spends an average of $150 million annually on beach replenishment and other shoreline erosion control measures. With sea levels projected to increase up to six feet by 2100, the problem is likely to worsen.
Eight higher-scoring states had strong policies regarding coastal building setbacks, prohibitions against coastal armoring and rebuilding in coastal hazard areas, and incorporation of projected sea level rise along with adaptation measures into planning documents. Most of the states that experience extreme weather events, however, lack solid coastal preservation and sea level rise policies.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 17, 2018
In many markets, green features are more of a requirement for apartment renters
Renters in many U.S. cities have come to expect green features in apartments that they rent, with an eye toward energy efficiency and healthy indoor air.
Codes and Standards | Jul 16, 2018
Length of North American construction disputes continues to increase
They already far exceed global average.
Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2018
Developer says net zero Salt Lake City apartment high-rise built at standard cost
Off-site solar, and mechanical/electrical system savings aid the achievement.
Codes and Standards | Jul 11, 2018
D.C. local worker requirement not being met
Government doing little to verify self-reported project data.
Codes and Standards | Jul 10, 2018
Carbon emissions in cement production threaten GHG reduction goals
Cement is essential to many infrastructure projects that address climate change.
Codes and Standards | Jul 10, 2018
DOE’s Better Buildings Summit to be held in Cleveland, August 21-23
Agenda includes technical training and networking opportunities.
Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2018
Houston’s lessons learned from Harvey include lack of awareness by residents of flood danger
Inconsistent regulatory environment also cited.
Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2018
Delos and HDR will co-develop wellness design tools and collaborate on research
WELL Building Standard pioneer teams with architects to advance wellness innovations in the built environment.
Codes and Standards | Jul 5, 2018
BREEAM New Construction standard launched in U.S.
Follows successful launch of BREEAM In-Use standard.
Codes and Standards | Jun 29, 2018
Nearly half of nonresidential construction projects now delivered by design-build
‘Alternative’ method now mainstream for nonresidential, highway/street, and water/wastewater construction projects.