The state must pair this important plan with common-sense, long-overdue standards to stop unsafe development and truly safeguard our coastal communities for the long term. Photo: Shutterstock/Eric K. Smith
November 6, 2025 (Boston, MA) – Massachusetts has released its ResilientCoasts plan, outlining strategies to address threats from sea level rise, storm surge, and coastal erosion. Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) commends the state for taking this important step to prepare communities for worsening climate impacts, but warns that the plan’s success depends on long-overdue action to halt new development in flood-prone areas.
“This plan is an important step forward in preparing Massachusetts for the realities of climate change,” said Ali Hiple, senior policy analyst at CLF. “The plan includes smart strategies like a voluntary buyout program and nature-based solutions. But it will be for naught if we keep allowing new development in areas we already know will flood. Every new home or business built in harm’s way puts more families, livelihoods, and taxpayer dollars at risk. We can’t keep pouring money into rebuilding in the same vulnerable areas. The state must pair this plan with common-sense, long-overdue standards to stop unsafe development and truly safeguard our coastal communities for the long term.”
The ResilientCoasts plan identifies key vulnerabilities along Massachusetts’ coastline and recommends strategies to improve community preparedness and infrastructure resilience. However, without enforceable regulations restricting development in high-risk flood zones, these efforts will fall short of protecting residents and reducing future damage.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
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