Coastal Barrier Resources Act
Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) is a federal law that aims to protect undeveloped coastal barriers along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. The act was passed in 1982 and has been amended several times since then.
Purpose of the Act
The primary purpose of the CBRA is to reduce the loss of human life, wasteful expenditure of federal resources, and damage to fish, wildlife, and other natural resources associated with the development of coastal barriers. The act does this by restricting federal expenditures and financial assistance for development within designated Coastal Barrier Resource System (CBRS) units.
Coastal Barrier Resource System
The CBRS is a system of undeveloped coastal barriers that are identified and mapped by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The system includes over 300 units along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, totaling over 1.3 million acres.
Coastal barriers are defined as “a depositional geologic feature that forms a natural line of defense against storm waves and that protects landward areas from erosion and flooding.” They typically consist of sandy beaches, dunes, and barrier islands.
Restrictions on Development
Within CBRS units, the CBRA prohibits federal expenditures and financial assistance for the following types of development:
- New construction or substantial improvements to existing structures
- Roads, bridges, causeways, and other transportation facilities
- Water supply and wastewater treatment systems
- Flood control structures
- Any other development that would significantly alter the natural character of the barrier
Exceptions
There are a few exceptions to the development restrictions under the CBRA. These exceptions include:
- Development that is necessary to protect human life or property
- Development that is related to the management of fish and wildlife resources
- Development that is necessary for the operation of military facilities
- Development that is consistent with a comprehensive coastal management plan that has been approved by the Secretary of the Interior
Enforcement
The CBRA is enforced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Service may issue citations and impose civil penalties for violations of the act.
Benefits of the Act
The CBRA has been credited with helping to protect coastal barriers from development and reducing the loss of life and property from storms. The act has also helped to preserve fish and wildlife habitat and other natural resources.
Challenges
One of the challenges to implementing the CBRA is the need to balance the need for coastal protection with the rights of property owners. In some cases, the act has restricted the ability of property owners to develop their land.
Another challenge is the need to adapt the CBRA to changing environmental conditions. Sea level rise and other climate change impacts are causing some coastal barriers to erode and become more vulnerable to storms.
Conclusion
The Coastal Barrier Resources Act is an important law that helps to protect coastal barriers and reduce the risks associated with coastal development. The act has been successful in achieving its goals, but it faces challenges from changing environmental conditions and the need to balance the needs of coastal protection with the rights of property owners.
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