ASBPA was one of just five stakeholder groups invited to provide testimony for a formal “Information-Gathering Process on Draft Legislation entitled, America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2020” by the Senate Environment & Public Works (EPW) Committee. This “information-gathering process” was in lieu of a public hearing with Congress working remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic….
As Congress considers an infrastructure stimulus bill in response to the coronavirus pandemic, ASBPA is asking Congress to prioritize funding for coastal infrastructure whose purpose is to help tourism and increase the resilience of communities to future economic challenges from the inevitable challenges posed by sea level rise and coastal storms. See our Coronavirus Stimulus Letter…
Even with Congress and federal agencies working remotely due to coronavirus, you can still be an effective advocate: Set up a phone call or zoom meeting with a decision-maker; Plan an in-district meeting with a member of congress when restrictions are lifted; Plan a trip to DC when travel and meetings are allowed. All the…
ASBPA advocates for healthy coasts on a variety of topics and educates decision-makers at all levels of government about the importance of healthy, restored beaches and shorelines. Our 2020 vision for ourcoast includes recommendations to Congress and numerous federal agencies. 2020 Vision for our Coast: infrastructure, restoration and research funding In an era of unprecedented…
In a year that started with the longest government shutdown in U.S. history and is ending with impeachment, the lack of major federal policy initiatives is not surprising. However, coastal issues have mostly flown under the radar: federal agencies continue to do their work and congressional committees are planning for legislation that will have bipartisan…
Over the course of ten shows in 2019, The Capitol Beach spoke with members of congress, federal agency staff, and decision-makers who set policy and direct billions of dollars of funding for coastal restoration and research. The podcast is intended to bring everyone into the coastal “room where it happens” in our nation’s Capitol. One…
On September 18th, ASBPA Executive Director, Derek Brockbank, testified before the U.S. Senate Environment & Public Works (EPW) committee in the hearing, “Improving American Economic Competitiveness through Water Resources Infrastructure.” ASBPA explained the value of healthy beaches, dunes and wetlands to our coast, and spoke about how the Senate EPW Committee can support healthy coastlines:…
On this episode of The Capitol Beach, Derek Brockbank interviews Representative Garret Graves. Rep. Graves has a long history working for coastal restoration and resilience, most notably in leading Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and currently as Congressman. On the podcast, he talks about new laws that allow FEMA money to be spent on Army…
On July 10th, ASBPA Executive Director, Derek Brockbank, testified before the House Transportation & Infrastructure committee in the hearing “Water Resources Development Acts: Status of Implementation and Addressing Future Needs.” ASBPA called on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to manage the coastline to support four interconnected values: Protection from coastal storms, hazards and sea level…
The FY20 budget process is moving forward in the House of Representatives, with a few “mini-bus” bills that each include multiple appropriations expected to pass before July. Senate Majority Mitch McConnell leader has made it clear that the Senate won’t consider these Democratically led bills, and there has been very little effort in the Senate…