New York's New Sea Level Rise Projections Will Affect Land Use, Infrastructure

As required by a 2014 state statute, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued official sea level rise projections effective February 22. They reflect a range of possible scenarios; at the high end, sea level in the New York City area could rise 75 inches by the year 2100. Now that they are embodied in a formal regulation, these projections may begin to affect a broad range of decisions in building and infrastructure siting, design, construction and materials; insurance and financing; securities disclosure; and estate planning. The following article details out these changes and their potential implications.