Read how the inflation reduction act is supporting ocean climate investments across america.

  • "we should celebrate these ocean and coastal investments that are already flowing into Maine."

    Michelle Kaufman

    Maine

    Read Michelle's Story

  • "By prioritizing these projects, we are creating a sustainable future for my generation, and generations to come."

    Maanit Goel

    Sammamish, Washington

    Read Maanit's Story

  • "Together, we need to continue advancing ocean climate action for the benefit of all Americans."

    Melissa Jung

    Arizona

    Read Melissa's Story

  • "New investments in North Carolina’s coasts give me hope. We must continue to work together."

    David Yoon

    North Carolina

    Read David's Story

  • "Many projects in South Carolina are already benefiting from the Inflation Reduction Act."

    Zach Bjur

    South Carolina

    Read Zach's Story

  • "New ocean investments in Oregon demonstrate our opportunities to fight climate change."

    State Rep. David Gomberg

    Oregon

    Read Rep. Gomberg's Story

  • "The benefits of these projects will be felt by the communities who need it most, including frontline communities."

    Jean Flemma

    Portland, OR

    Read Jean's Story

  • "This is spurring investments in coastal resilience and port decarbonization across Georgia."

    Kyra Stillwagon

    Georgia

    Read Kyra's Story

  • "In Delaware, The IRA is providing protections for Environmental Justice and frontline communities."

    Terrance L. Bankston

    Delaware

    Read Terrance's Story

“On island communities like Vinalhaven, high waters are threatening essential infrastructure like the ferry docks.”

— Michelle Kaufman, Inland Ocean Coalition | Maine

“We’ve all seen the recent news about ocean temperatures skyrocketing due to climate change, and in Maine it’s no different. Our state may be known for its long, cold winters, but the Gulf of Maine is warming faster than 97% the world’s ocean surface. That spells trouble for Maine’s renowned seafood industry, underpinning our coastal economies, tourism and our livelihood.

Fishing is a way of life in Maine, but as ocean temperatures rise, lobster and cod are moving farther north and east to find the colder waters they prefer. That means fishermen are having to follow and work longer days, burn more fuel and brave rougher seas to earn their livelihood. Climate change is also making our waters more acidic, which affects the ability of lobster and other shellfish to grow and mature enough to be caught in the first place. According to one 2021 study of the Gulf of Maine, “continued warming is expected to lead to a loss of heritage, changes in culture, and the necessity for adaptation.””

“While Arizona may lack a coastline, our connection to the ocean is undeniable.”

— Melissa Jung, Marine Scientist | Arizona

“We’ve all seen the recent news about ocean temperatures skyrocketing due to climate change, and in Maine it’s no different. Our state may be known for its long, cold winters, but the Gulf of Maine is warming faster than 97% the world’s ocean surface. That spells trouble for Maine’s renowned seafood industry, underpinning our coastal economies, tourism and our livelihood.

Fishing is a way of life in Maine, but as ocean temperatures rise, lobster and cod are moving farther north and east to find the colder waters they prefer. That means fishermen are having to follow and work longer days, burn more fuel and brave rougher seas to earn their livelihood. Climate change is also making our waters more acidic, which affects the ability of lobster and other shellfish to grow and mature enough to be caught in the first place. According to one 2021 study of the Gulf of Maine, “continued warming is expected to lead to a loss of heritage, changes in culture, and the necessity for adaptation.””

“the decisions made today will shape the world we inherit tomorrow.”

— Maanit Goel, EarthEcho Youth Leadership Council Member | Sammamish, Washington

“As an ocean protection advocate, I am vocal about looking to the ocean as a source of solutions to help us fight and adapt to climate change. Ocean climate action, ranging from renewable energy development to natural carbon-storing solutions, could provide a fifth of the greenhouse gas emission reductions needed globally to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. 

Recent investments from the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to address climate change include leveraging ocean climate solutions like green shipping, offshore wind, and port electrification, as well as building more resilient coastal communities right here in Washington. By prioritizing these projects, we are not only safeguarding our planet but also creating a sustainable and prosperous future for my generation, and generations to come. On the anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, I am celebrating this progress.”

“one good look at communities in North Carolina uncovers the dire reality of our environmental situation.”

— David Yoon, EarthEcho Youth Leadership Council Member | Greenville, North Carolina

“Growing up in eastern North Carolina as a teenager, I have enjoyed spending my free time and family vacations at the beach. Our coast offers a wide range of beaches and rich history that have attracted travelers since the early 1900s. But each year, I worry about how much longer this tradition can last as our iconic beaches are being slowly depleted and succumbing to rising temperatures and sea levels.

Climate change is happening in our oceans and on our coasts. While many believe the effects of climate change are minimal and ignorable, one good look at communities in North Carolina uncovers the dire reality of our environmental situation. In Rodanthe, the rapid rate of coastal erosion and rising sea levels upends life among natural species creating an imbalance of habitat and wildlife. Homes are literally being washed away into the ocean.”

“Projects like these are an integral part of a holistic approach to resilience in South Carolina and are vital to our state’s future.”

— Zach Bjur, EarthEcho Youth Leadership Council Member | Greenville, North Carolina

“South Carolina’s coast is one of the most beautiful in the world. It drives our economy, our cuisine and our lifestyle. But all of those things are under threat from extreme heat, flooding and damaging storms that have been on the rise and are projected to worsen. Luckily, we have the opportunity to invest in South Carolina’s resilience now so we can adapt to these challenges and create a thriving future for our state.

The S.C. Office of Resilience, established by the General Assembly in 2020, released its first report in late June with recommendations for increasing resiliency throughout the state. These recommendations come at an opportune time. Unprecedented federal funding from the federal Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act can bring historic investments to South Carolina, including funding for promoting coastal resilience and port infrastructure.”

“Taking action gives us hope for a just and livable future where our communities and our citizens CAN THRIVE in a changing climate.”

— State Rep. David Gomberg | Oregon

“Oregon’s coast is increasingly shaped by the climate crisis.

Sea-level rise, severe flooding, intensifying storms and ocean acidification are threatening our coastal communities and their ocean-based economies. Climate change is causing bluff erosion, receding shorelines and impacts on shellfish populations.

Yet in these challenges, we have tremendous opportunity to implement innovative solutions that will help Oregonians adapt and thrive in a changing climate. We are not standing by helplessly and watching climate change wreak havoc on our coasts. Thanks to new coastal and ocean investments from Congress, the Biden administration and the Oregon Legislature, we are now taking steps to address these challenges facing our communities.”

“thanks to funding in the inflation reduction act, there is renewed hope.”

— Jean Flemma, Ocean Defense Initiative | Oregon

“For years, the news for coastal communities and ecosystems has been less than hopeful, as climate change fuels a more acidic and hotter ocean, higher tides, and more devastating storms. This year it’s been reported that sea levels along the Gulf of Mexico are rising more quickly than expected, the East Coast is sinking as tides increase, and West Coast beaches are facing big changes. Even Midwestern states can’t escape, as fluctuating Great Lakes levels erode shorelines.

There is, however, renewed hope. Investments in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), much-needed resources for coastal restoration and natural infrastructure projects are arriving around the country. While projects like wetlands restoration are not new, the unprecedented size of this new funding has the potential to create a meaningful impact.”