To the editor:
I commend Congressman John Tierney and every other Massachusetts congressman that voted to protect vulnerable coastal areas, in the wake of Superstorm Sandy’s devastation. But regretfully, overall the U.S. House of Representatives voted to block the use of relief funds for potential land acquisition, a critical component to coastal recovery and restoration.
Superstorm Sandy destroyed much of the mid-Atlantic and Northeastern buffer zones that protect coastal lands, wildlife refuges, and beaches. These areas defend our coastlines and coastal communities and must be safeguarded against the worst extreme weather events in the future.
The path to an efficient, effective recovery will likely require strategic purchases of flood-prone and damaged areas in and around public lands. This would reduce current and future restoration costs and help the surrounding land better handle adverse weather conditions.
Sandy’s victims deserve to have all of the tools necessary for recovery at their disposal, but the House of Representatives prevented the federal government from using relief funds to acquire land that could help maintain and improve essential buffer areas.
We now look to our Senators Kerry and Warren to support the role that land acquisition plays in disaster recovery and restoration -- and to vote against similar legislation moving forward.
Alison Giest
Field Organizer
Environment Massachusetts
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
Olivia Munn Flaunts Her Bikini Bod
Britney Spears Under Fire Once Again For Being A Bad Mom
Arias Tells Jury What She'd Do if She Gets Life
The all-new Xbox One
RAW: Massive tornado strikes Oklahoma
Nidal Hasan paid $278K while awaiting trial
VIDEO: Teacher reunites mother and son after tornado levels elementary school in Oklahoma City
Okla. tornado survivor finds dog buried alive under rubble
Jennifer Lawrence Gets Naked and Painted Blue as X-Men's Mystique
Pickler's Dance Moves Cause A Stir
Obama to tornado survivors: The country stands beside you
Reporter Cries Over Devastation
Sneak Peek: 'Modern Family' Says Good Bye
Trailer: 'The Last Stand' Available on Blu-ray Disc, DVD, Digital Download
IWitness Look at Moore, OK Tornado
RAW: Moore, OK tornado touches down near school
Robert Pattinson Moves Out
