On August 16th, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (formally known as Build Back Better). It includes $2.6 billion for NOAA to invest in coastal communities and climate resilience through 2026. The Act directs NOAA to spend these funds in two areas: 1) coastal restoration and habitat protection that enables coastal communities to prepare for extreme storms and a changing climate; and 2) projects that support the natural resources that sustain coastal and marine resource dependent communities.  

Inflation Reduction Act funds are a welcome opportunity for Reserves and all coast and ocean programs, as the Act directs NOAA to spend the funds directly and through partners. As NOAA explores how these funds will be spent, NERRA is advocating they be used to build the capacity of Reserves and our partners to fulfill our System’s vision for resilience and support of community resilience.

Several Reserves welcomed congressional members and congressional committee and member staff during their summer break. These include Great Bay, Grand Bay, GTM, Wells, Lake Superior, and South Slough—and those are just the ones we know about. Hats off to all NERRA board members and friends who stepped up to share their beautiful places during these visits! Your efforts to educate your members of Congress about the importance of your Reserve are key to increasing NERRS funding. People invest in what they value.