New executive actions went into effect last week designed to improve coastal resilience and protect Virginia communities. The three actions include (1) elevating the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program to report to the Commonwealth’s Chief Resilience Officer, (2) issuing a statewide request for proposal for technical engineering assistance in developing the Virginia Coastal Resilience Master Plan, and (3) formally establishing the Virginia Coastal Resilience Technical Advisory Committee. These steps will directly support the Virginia Coastal Resilience Master Planning Framework announced in October, according to a release from Gov. Ralph Northam’s office. “Virginia is increasingly experiencing intense storms and flooding due to climate change, endangering our environment and natural resources, public health and safety, and the economic well-being of the commonwealth,” said Northam. “We must act now to mitigate these threats and protect lives and livelihoods, and these actions will...