Coastal State Climate Preparedness Act of 2025

This bill, the "Coastal State Climate Preparedness Act of 2025," amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. It directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a coastal climate change adaptation preparedness and response program. The program will provide financial and technical assistance to coastal states for developing and implementing climate change adaptation plans.

Potential Positive Impacts for People:

• Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Planning and Preparedness Grants (Sec. 2(a), adding Sec. 320(b) to the CZMA): Provides grants to coastal states to develop climate change adaptation plans. This can lead to better protection of coastal communities from the impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise and severe weather events.

• Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Project Implementation Grants (Sec. 2(a), adding Sec. 320(c) to the CZMA): Offers grants to implement climate change adaptation projects. These projects can address physical disturbances, control invasive species, protect wildlife habitats, and adapt existing infrastructure, which benefits coastal communities and economies.

• Technical Training and Assistance (Sec. 2(a), adding Sec. 320(c)(3)(F) to the CZMA): Includes provisions for technical training and assistance to local coastal policy makers. This can increase awareness and improve decision-making related to climate change and adaptation strategies.

Potential Negative Impacts for People:

• The bill does not explicitly describe any negative impacts. However, the bill does state in Sec. 2(c) that it should not be construed to extend the enforceable policies of a coastal state beyond the coastal zone as identified in the coastal State's approved management program. This limitation may restrict certain policies or regulations related to climate adaptation.