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Congress·In Progress·12 months ago

Congress Proposes Bill to Stop States from Blocking Major Coastal Infrastructure and Security Projects

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Key Points

  • This bill would change how states and the federal government work together on coastal projects like building piers, fixing bridges, or setting up military sites. Currently, states can object if they think a federal project doesn't follow their local environmental or safety plans.
  • The new rules would automatically assume a state agrees with a project if it falls into certain categories. These include national security work, fixing critical infrastructure like power grids, cleaning up after disasters, and building in areas with high unemployment or low income.
  • If this becomes law, a state could not use its usual power to delay or stop these specific types of projects. This is intended to speed up construction and economic development in coastal areas by removing local hurdles.
  • The Secretary of Commerce would have 30 days to double-check if a project really fits into these special categories. If the Secretary does not speak up within that month, the project is legally allowed to move forward regardless of state concerns.
Energy EnvironmentNational Security Foreign PolicyInfrastructure Transportation

Milestones

2 milestones3 actions
Mar 6, 2025

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1032-1033)

Mar 5, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Mar 5, 2025

Introduced in House

Related News

4 articles
SFGATE·12 months ago

A Calif. agency angered Musk. Now a Trump-backed congressman aims to gut it.

Rep. Kevin Kiley introduced the Coastal Commission Accountability Act to strip the California Coastal Commission of its federal powers. The bill establishes a 'conclusive presumption' that states concur with federal actions, effectively overriding state rights to manage the coastline.

CL−
SFGATE·about 1 year ago

GOP lawmakers waste little time trying to write Elon Musk's priorities into law

Reporting on how Rep. Kevin Kiley introduced legislation designed to curb the power of the California Coastal Commission after it rejected SpaceX's plan to increase rocket launches. Kiley argues the CZMA was never intended to prioritize partisan considerations over national security.

CL−
The Santa Barbara Independent·7 months ago

Coastal Commission Unanimously Rejects SpaceX Launch Expansion at Vandenberg

While covering a specific rejection of SpaceX launches, the article contextualizes the ongoing federal legislative efforts to amend the Coastal Zone Management Act to prevent state agencies from blocking projects deemed federal or military activities.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

To amend the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to establish a conclusive presumption that a State concurs to certain activities, and for other purposes.

Bill NumberHR 1874
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionSponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1032-1033)

Sponsor

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.