Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Committee hears bill to allow soil bioengineering and other non‑structural shoreline techniques; supporters seek amendments
Summary
Senate Bill 504 would direct rulemaking to allow soil bioengineering systems for shoreline stabilization, a change supporters say could reduce riprap and seawalls; environmental groups support the intent but urged language changes, tribal inclusion and clearer guidance for ocean shore applications.
Senate Bill 504 would direct the Land Conservation and Development Commission to adopt rules allowing soil bioengineering systems for shoreline stabilization along estuaries, coastal shorelands and the ocean shore, and would require the Department of State Lands and State Parks to participate in rulemaking and adopt conforming rules by Jan. 1, 2029, if enacted.
Sponsor Senator David Brock Smith said the measure is designed to expand the toolbox for coastal erosion and storm surge response and to “use natural materials whenever we’re protecting those shorelines.” Cam Perry, a restoration practitioner who has worked on coastal projects, told the committee…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
