Virginia Bill Aims to Create Coastal Policy Committee Amid Rising Sea Levels

The proposed legislation would establish a Habitat Policy Oversight Committee to advise on habitat, wetlands and coastal resilience policies.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A new bill introduced in the Virginia legislature would create a committee of experts to provide statewide guidance on tackling issues related to marine policy, habitat, wetlands and coastal resilience as the state grapples with rising sea levels. The bill, which has already passed the House, would establish the Habitat Policy Oversight Committee within the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.

Why it matters

Virginia's coastal regions are experiencing some of the highest rates of sea level rise on the Atlantic Coast, threatening infrastructure, ecosystems and communities. The proposed committee would help the state develop innovative solutions and policies to address these growing challenges.

The details

The 10-member Habitat Policy Oversight Committee would include experts from science, environmental, industry and government backgrounds. They would be tasked with reviewing existing habitat policies and recommending improvements. The committee would provide advisory input to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, which would retain ultimate regulatory authority.

  • The bill unanimously passed the Virginia House of Delegates.
  • The bill has been referred to the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources committee, which meets on Tuesdays.

The players

Del. Alex Askew

The Democratic delegate from Norfolk who introduced the bill to create the Habitat Policy Oversight Committee.

Del. Rob Bloxom

The Republican delegate from Accomack who previously introduced a bill to establish a panel of advisers for the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.

Virginia Marine Resources Commission

The state agency that would house the new Habitat Policy Oversight Committee and retain ultimate regulatory authority.

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What they’re saying

“The state is facing tremendous flooding and sea level rise issues. The habitat committee could play a vital role in helping the commission work through some of the novel technologies for mitigating flood risks that are coming up as well [as] balancing natural resource considerations and mitigation when we're putting these novel practices on the ground.”

— Jay Ford, Virginia policy manager, Chesapeake Bay Foundation

“The way the current system operates, the representatives responsible for establishing procedures may lack awareness of the issues shaping marine policy. With a board of advisers from across the industry, the VMRC could better use Virginia's resources 'to try to make these programs actually function.'”

— Del. Rob Bloxom

What’s next

The bill will next be considered by the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources committee.

The takeaway

As Virginia grapples with accelerating sea level rise and its impacts on coastal communities, ecosystems and infrastructure, this proposed legislation aims to establish a formal advisory committee to help the state develop innovative solutions and policies to address these growing challenges.