AUGUSTA - The Maine House gave final approval Thursday to a measure by Rep. Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, that will strengthen efforts to restore sand dunes on Maine beaches. The bill was enacted "under the hammer," or by unanimous consent.
"Beach erosion has devastating impacts on the environment and, in coastal communities like my hometown of Old Orchard Beach, on our local economy," said Gramlich, who serves as House chair of the Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources Committee. "Communities need our support as they work to restore our beautiful coastline and protect these fragile ecosystems. This bill will provide us additional tools to protect the precious resource that is our beaches."
As amended, LD 478 would authorize the use of biodegradable materials, including wooden stakes and coconut fibers, for the purposes of stabilizing sand dunes and restoring native vegetation. The measure also outlines requirements such projects would have to meet, like keeping materials covered by sand and vegetation and limiting their use to above the high tide line.
According to a report by the Maine Climate Council, sea level rise could cost Maine $1.67 billion in annual tourism spending by 2100 because of lost beach area. Without preventative action, damage to beach dunes could lead to an additional $71.8 million or more in annual losses.
"Protecting our coastline has been one of my top priorities throughout my time as a legislator, because it is so important to my community and to our state as a whole," said Gramlich. "The first bill I submitted after I was elected in 2018 was on this issue. The need was urgent then, and it's even more so now. We have to keep our focus on preventing the worst impacts of climate change on our economy and our environment."
Sand dunes provide natural protection against sea level rise, storm surge and flooding. They also act as important habitat for native plants and animals. As coastal communities look to mitigate climate change-related threats, protecting and restoring sand dunes has become an even more important goal.
The bill faces additional votes in the Senate.
Gramlich is serving her third term in the Maine House and represents Old Orchard Beach. She is the House chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Gramlich], c. 305-965-2744