Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program Act

H.R. 3187, the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program Act, would establish a federal program to help protect coastal and estuarine areas that have significant conservation, recreation, ecological, or historical value. The bill authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to provide grants to coastal states to help them purchase land or conservation easements, ensuring these areas remain protected from development.

For citizens, this bill aims to preserve public access to shorelines, protect local water quality, and safeguard habitats that provide natural flood protection for coastal communities. By funding the creation of conservation corridors and supporting the National Estuarine Research Reserve system, the legislation seeks to maintain the environmental integrity of the nation's coasts for future recreational and economic use.