Summary of HR 1874: Amendment to the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972

Bill Number: HR 1874

Introduced: March 5, 2025

Sponsor: Kevin Kiley

Current Status: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources

Purpose and Intent

HR 1874 aims to amend the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 by establishing a conclusive presumption that coastal states concur with certain federal activities. This legislation seeks to streamline the approval process for federal projects that have significant economic impacts or are related to national security, critical infrastructure, or disaster recovery.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several important changes to the existing framework of the Coastal Zone Management Act:

1. Conclusive Presumption of Concurrence:

   • Coastal states will be presumed to agree with federal consistency determinations regarding activities that fall under specific categories, including:
     • National security activities
     • Critical infrastructure projects
     • Disaster recovery or mitigation activities
     • Activities with significant national or regional economic impact

2. Limitations on State Objections:

   • A coastal state's objection or challenge to an activity presumed to have concurrence cannot delay or prevent the activity from proceeding.

3. Secretary's Authority:

   • The Secretary of the relevant department has the authority to nullify the presumption of concurrence within 30 days if the activity is determined not to be a "covered activity." If no determination is made within this timeframe, the presumption becomes final and binding.

4. Definitions:

   • The bill provides specific definitions for terms such as "covered activity," "critical infrastructure," and "disaster recovery or mitigation activity," ensuring clarity in the types of projects affected by the legislation.

Impact

Who Would Be Affected?

• Coastal States: The bill impacts how states interact with federal projects, potentially reducing their ability to challenge federal activities that affect their coastal zones.
• Federal Agencies and Applicants: Federal agencies and applicants seeking to undertake projects in coastal areas will benefit from a more streamlined process, reducing delays associated with state objections.
• Local Economies: Areas with low per capita income or high unemployment rates may see increased federal investment and project activity, which could stimulate local economies.

Economic Considerations

The bill emphasizes activities that are federally funded or authorized and that occur in economically disadvantaged areas, potentially leading to job creation and economic development in those regions.

Procedural Aspects

• The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources on March 5, 2025.
• The sponsor provided introductory remarks on the measure on March 6, 2025.

Conclusion

HR 1874 represents a significant shift in the regulatory landscape governing coastal management by favoring federal interests in specific activities over state objections. This could lead to expedited project approvals, particularly in economically distressed areas, while raising concerns about state autonomy in coastal management decisions.