Reform the National Flood Insurance Program
Pass the National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 2017 (S. 1571) to support measures that promote soft adaptation and prevent construction and repair of structures in highly prone flood zones.
U.S. coastlines are threatened by sea level rise, coastal erosion, and inappropriate development. Federal insurance reform is needed to discourage coastal armoring and protect natural shorelines through restoration, managed retreat, coastal planning, and the use of living shorelines. Surfrider is working with coalition partners to pass legislation to reform the National Flood Insurance Program, as the current program can encourage new construction in the flood zone, fails to promote soft approaches to coastal resilience, and uses outdated flood maps. Surfrider is a proud member of the SmarterSafer Coalition that is watchdogging the legislation to ensure protection of the environment and taxpayers.