A view of storm damage over the Atlantic Coast from the helicopter as President Obama and Governor Christie view the damage in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, on October 31, 2012. Americans sifted through the wreckage of superstorm Sandy on Wednesday as millions remained without power. AFP PHOTO/POOL/Doug Mills
LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) - Some environmentalists say New Jersey should consider not rebuilding everything lost to Superstorm Sandy.
U.S. Geological Survey scientist Jeffress Willliams says that rising sea levels and changing weather patterns make it likely that the coast will be hit by more frequent destructive storms.
He and other shoreline advocates say officials should consider restricting development to reduce the harm storms can do. They suggest relocating homes and businesses farther from the ocean, building more seawalls and keeping sand dunes high.
Gov. Chris Christie says the shore is too important not to rebuild. But he leaves the decision whether to build again to individual property owners.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)