NY - 'Living Shoreline' On Display As New Rules Get Gov. Hochul's Signature
The legislation offers a roadmap for working with, rather than against, Mother Nature when it comes to protecting the NY coastline.
MAMARONECK, NY — NYS Senator Shelley Mayer and Assemblyman Steve Otis took an opportunity to show off firsthand how new legislation they co-sponsored might change the way municipalities and property owners think about managing New York's shoreline.
The lawmakers hosted a press conference on Tuesday to celebrate the "Living Shorelines" legislation being signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul. The new law will require the Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) to encourage the use of nature-based solutions as the preferred approach for stabilizing tidal shorelines in the oversight and regulatory decisions of the agency.
Mayer said that the new law will encourage a coastal flood protection infrastructure that gets stronger over time, as plant life providing natural flood barriers thrives and grows, rather than slowly wearing down like more traditional seawalls and barriers. The legislator explained that a "living shoreline" not only does a superior job of flood mitigation — it has the added benefits of being a perfect habitat for marine life and offers a natural filtration system for pollution from ground runoff.
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"After Hurricane Ida, many constituents reached out to me for assistance with flood damage. I was happy my office could help individuals but the systemic impact of climate change requires much more. As the community rebuilds once again following the devastating storm this past week, we need to be proactive about increasing resilience and protecting against future flooding. This legislation will empower DEC to encourage the use of nature-based solutions, strengthening our shorelines and communities."
The New York lawmakers pointed to communities across the Empire State that are facing intensifying climate change-related hazards, including dangerous floods. Otis noted that in just the past few days, flooding displaced residents in nearby neighborhoods. The assemblyman said that the new law is an important step in addressing what is becoming an ever-growing concern.
"Living shoreline principles are vital to improving coastal resilience, reducing flood impacts, preventing shoreline erosion, and protecting natural habitats," Otis told those gathered. "Thanks go to Governor Kathy Hochul, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Deborah Glick, and the many environmental groups who support these important policies. Senator Mayer and I worked closely to move this bill in both houses. This is important legislation for coastal communities that will help advance nature-based policies at a time when sound practices are needed."
The lawmakers couldn't have chosen a better venue to highlight the importance of their legislative victory.
