AUGUSTA – The Legislature’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee voted last week to advance a measure by State Rep. Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, that will strengthen efforts to restore sand dunes on Maine beaches. The vote was unanimous among those present.

“Beach erosion has devastating impacts on the environment and, in coastal communities like my hometown of Old Orchard Beach, on our local economy,” said Gramlich, who serves as House chair of the committee. “Communities need our support as they work to restore our beautiful coastline and protect these fragile ecosystems. This bill will provide us additional tools to protect the precious resource that is our beaches.”

As amended, LD 478 would authorize the use of biodegradable materials, including wooden stakes and coconut fibers, for the purposes of stabilizing sand dunes and restoring native vegetation. The measure also outlines requirements such projects would have to meet, like keeping materials covered by sand and vegetation and limiting their use to above the high tide line.

“As climate change becomes more serious, its severe effects -- like drier, hotter summers and rising sea levels -- damage the critical coastal sand dunes in the district,” said Senator Donna Bailey, D-Saco, lead cosponsor of the bill. “Knowing this, we must be creative and explore all possible solutions for restoring the dunes. If we don't, then we might lose them. I'm grateful to Rep. Gramlich for introducing this important bill, and I'm proud to support it.”

According to a report by the Maine Climate Council, sea level could cost Maine $1.67 billion in annual tourism spending by 2100 because of lost beach area. Without preventative action, damage to beach dunes could lead to an additional $71.8 million or more in annual losses.

“Protecting our coastline has been one of my top priorities throughout my time as a legislator, because it is so important to my community and to our state as a whole,” said Gramlich. “The first bill I submitted after I was elected in 2018 was on this issue. The need was urgent then, and it’s even more so now. We have to keep our focus on preventing the worst impacts of climate change on our economy and our environment.”

Sand dunes provide natural protection against sea level rise, storm surge and flooding. They also act as important habitat for native plants and animals. As coastal communities look to mitigate climate change-related threats, protecting and restoring sand dunes has become an even more important goal.

The bill faces additional votes in the House and Senate.