Framework for a National Storm and Sea Level Rise Program

Abstract

After hearing testimony on the impacts of sea level rise at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in 2012, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) commented that “we just can’t sustain this level of sea level rise without a plan. We need a plan.” Over six years later, the country lacks a plan for responding to more severe coastal storms and sea level rise and might even be said to be moving in the wrong direction in some respects.