Adaptive Planning for Sea-Level Rise:

Legal Issues for Local Government

January 23, 2012

1:00 - 5:30 pm

This free half-day workshop focuses on law and planning related to adaptation to sea-level rise. The workshop begins with a brief overview of the science of sea-level rise and then discuss ideas for local adaptations as background for examining legal and planning issues associated with adaptation options. Discussion topics will include potential impacts of sea level rise on the Texas coast, aspects of takings juriprudence under the U.S. Constitution, the importance of presenting information to purchasers of coastal property, crucial on-going legal cases, including Severance v. Patterson, that may dramatically impact adaptation options, and results of a survey on the role takings may play in coastal decision-making. For more information download this PDF.

Agenda

(Click on the titles below to download presentations)

1:00 - 1:15pm

Introduction and Welcome –

Larry McKinney and Richard McLaughlin

1:15 - 2:00pm

Sea-level Change

Jim Gibeaut

Sea-level Rise and Coastal Hazards in Texas –

Jim Gibeaut and Eleonor Barraza

2:00 - 2:30pm

Developing a Coastal Resiliency Index –

Heather Wade

2:30 - 2:45pm

Introduction to Takings Law –

Niki Pace

2:45 - 3:15pm

Takings as an Impediment to Adaptive Management Pt. 1

(Reasonable Investment-Backed Expectations) –

Thomas Ruppert

3:15 - 3:30pm

Break

3:30 - 4:00pm

Takings as an Impediment to Adaptive Management Pt. 2

(Elevation and Exactions) –

Thomas Ruppert

4:00 - 4:30pm

Rolling Easements and the Severance Case –

Richard McLaughlin

4:30 - 5:00pm

Surveying the Impact of Takings Jurisprudence on Coastal Development Approvals –

Daniel Jorgensen

5:00 - 5:15pm

Web-based Adaptation Resources –

Thomas Ruppert and Richard McLaughlin

5:15 - 5:30pm

Course Evaluation and Conclusion