S.1724 - Town of North Topsail Beach Coastal Barrier Resources System Map Amendment Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1724, the "Town of North Topsail Beach Coastal Barrier Resources System Map Amendment Act of 2025," directs the Secretary of the Interior to revise the boundaries of Unit L06 within the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System. This revision specifically excludes parcels in North Topsail Beach, North Carolina, that are zoned for purposes other than conservation. The bill aims to align the coastal barrier resource map with local zoning ordinances.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill will be to remove certain parcels of land within North Topsail Beach from the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System. This change could potentially allow for development on these parcels that would otherwise be restricted due to their inclusion in the system. The change is limited to areas within the municipality of North Topsail Beach.
Potential Benefits
- Allows for potential development on parcels previously restricted by the Coastal Barrier Resources System.
- Aligns federal coastal barrier maps with local zoning ordinances, potentially reducing conflicts between federal and local regulations.
- May increase property values in the affected areas due to increased development potential.
- Could lead to increased tax revenue for the town of North Topsail Beach.
- Streamlines the regulatory process for land use in the designated area.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased coastal erosion due to development in sensitive areas.
- Loss of natural habitat and biodiversity within the excluded parcels.
- Increased risk of property damage from storms and flooding due to development in coastal areas.
- Possible reduction in federal funding for conservation efforts in the area.
- May set a precedent for similar amendments in other coastal areas, potentially weakening the overall protection of coastal barriers.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce and property. The act does not appear to infringe on any specific individual rights enumerated in the Bill of Rights. The bill's focus on amending a map related to coastal resources falls within the purview of congressional authority over interstate commerce and the management of federal lands and resources. There is no explicit constitutional provision directly addressing coastal barrier resources, but the act's purpose seems consistent with the general welfare clause.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).