Overview
Title
To revise the boundaries of a unit of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System in Topsail, North Carolina, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
The bill wants to change which parts of the beach in Topsail, North Carolina, are protected to allow certain land to be used for other things, like building houses, instead of just for nature. It tells the government to make these changes quickly so that everyone knows which parts of the beach can be used for different things.
Summary AI
H.R. 1885, also known as the "Town of North Topsail Beach Coastal Barrier Resources System Map Amendment Act of 2025," aims to change the boundaries of unit L06 of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System in Topsail, North Carolina. The bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to adjust the map to exclude parcels in North Topsail Beach that are designated for non-conservation purposes according to local zoning laws as of the date of the bill's enactment. This adjustment will only apply to areas within the town's jurisdiction.
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AnalysisAI
General Summary of the Bill
The legislative proposal, titled the "Town of North Topsail Beach Coastal Barrier Resources System Map Amendment Act of 2025," seeks to revise the boundaries of a specific unit within the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System in Topsail, North Carolina. The bill sets forth a requirement for the Secretary of the Interior to amend a map that defines these boundaries. Specifically, it aims to exclude parcels in the town of North Topsail Beach that are designated for uses other than conservation according to the local zoning ordinances in place at the time of the bill's enactment.
Summary of Significant Issues
One of the primary concerns highlighted in this bill is the stringent 30-day timeframe imposed on the Secretary of the Interior to implement these boundary changes. Such a tight deadline could prove challenging and place significant pressure on the Department to execute these amendments efficiently, potentially leading to rushed procedures or oversight.
Furthermore, the bill targets specific parcels for exclusion from conservation, which could lead to perceptions of favoritism. By focusing only on North Topsail Beach, there is potential for unequal benefits among property owners within the broader region. Additionally, the provision that references a map dated November 25, 2024, for actions in 2025 raises questions about the timing and availability of the required documentation, possibly leading to legal and procedural confusion.
Public Impact
Broadly, the amendments proposed by this bill could have far-reaching consequences for coastal management and conservation. Specifically, by allowing development on parcels previously designated for conservation, the bill may lead to increased commercial or residential development in these areas. This change can have positive economic implications by attracting investment and increasing land value but might also lead to environmental degradation and increased vulnerability to coastal hazards, affecting ecosystems and community safety.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Property owners in North Topsail Beach whose lands are reclassified for development rather than conservation would enjoy direct benefits. They could potentially see an increase in their property values and new development opportunities. On the other hand, conservationists and environmental organizations might express concern over the potential loss of protected coastal environments, which play critical roles in protecting biodiversity and mitigating climate impacts such as storm surges and sea level rise.
In summary, the proposed boundary revisions encapsulated in this bill walk a fine line between promoting economic development and safeguarding environmental interests. The bill raises important questions about administrative feasibility and equity in policy implementation, both for local stakeholders and for the broader regional environment.
Issues
SEC. 2: The requirement that corrections to the map be made within 30 days of the Act's enactment may place an unrealistic burden on the Secretary of the Interior, potentially affecting the efficient execution of the Act.
SEC. 2: The focus on excluding certain parcels in North Topsail Beach, North Carolina, from unit L06 of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System could be seen as favoring specific landowners, raising potential fairness or preferential treatment concerns.
SEC. 2: The reference to a map dated November 25, 2024, for actions needed in 2025 implies pre-existing, future-dated documentation, which could cause legal and procedural confusion if the actual date of enactment precedes the map's date.
SEC. 1: The short title of the act does not provide specific information for a detailed analysis of potential issues related to spending or legislative impact.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that the bill is titled the “Town of North Topsail Beach Coastal Barrier Resources System Map Amendment Act of 2025”.
2. Correction to map Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section requires the Secretary of the Interior to update a map related to the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System within 30 days of the bill's enactment. This update will remove certain parcels in North Topsail Beach, North Carolina, from a conservation unit, reflecting the area's local zoning rules as of the bill's enactment date.