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 | Jan 27, 2021
AECOM sues insurance carrier for payment of COVID-19 property damage claims
Claims ‘all-risk policies’ should have included millions of dollars of losses due to virus.
Codes and Standards | Jan 26, 2021
Updated guide to repair and rehabilitate existing concrete structures published
Document assesses how to adhere to code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Jan 25, 2021
New guide for skylight selection, daylighting design released
Free Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance document now available.
Codes and Standards | Jan 21, 2021
California considers statewide ban on natural gas heat, hot water in new homes
Code update would take effect in 2023.
Codes and Standards | Jan 20, 2021
Steel industry, labor urge Biden to retain steel tariffs
‘Essential to ensuring the viability of the domestic steel industry.’
Codes and Standards | Jan 19, 2021
2021 Solar Investment Tax Credit will remain at 26%
Incentive was scheduled to be reduced to 22%.
Codes and Standards | Jan 19, 2021
Thomas Jefferson University launches the Institute for Smart and Healthy Cities
Will address climate change, social equity, rapid urbanization, and health.
Codes and Standards | Jan 14, 2021
Petition urges FEMA to update flood maps, set tougher standards for floodplain construction
Environmental and planning groups note soaring claims, flood insurance debt.
Codes and Standards | Jan 13, 2021
Proposed change to IECC process irks efficiency advocates
New procedure would diminish influence of local code officials.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2021
Two net-zero hotel projects could portend a new hospitality trend
Energy-intensive sector comprises 10% of all commercial real estate.
