Protecting Coastlines, Saving Taxpayer Dollars

When policymakers needed answers about efficient and effective ways to protect our coastal ecosystems, Resources for the Future’s (RFF) research delivered. Now, Congress has acted, voting to expand the Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) to protect hazard-prone and ecologically sensitive coastal areas and save taxpayer dollars. President Biden signed the Bolstering Ecosystems Against Coastal Harm Act, or BEACH Act, into law on November 25, 2024, adding nearly 400,000 acres to this valuable system of lands.

Our research, published in Nature Climate Change, examined how removing implicit development subsidies in storm-prone areas such as the lands in the CBRS can promote climate resilience. Cited by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in their work with lawmakers, RFF’s research highlights how preserving coastal barriers reduces flood risks, conserves ecosystems, and saves money.

By delivering and sharing clear and objective data and analysis, RFF equips policymakers to make informed decisions that support both our environment and our economy.

Outcomes like these are possible thanks to the support we receive from people like you. As a nonprofit organization, our work is fueled by individuals who believe in a future that promises both a healthy environment and a thriving economy. Will you join us this December with an end-of-year gift?