Sea level rise: working group: economic analyses.
If passed, AB 2522 would significantly impact how state resources are allocated and managed concerning climate adaptation efforts. It would require the Ocean Protection Council, in coordination with various agencies, to establish a working group dedicated to addressing sea level rise, which would develop policies, projects, and other actions aimed at minimizing the anticipated devastating effects of rising sea levels on California's infrastructure, specifically aimed at utilities and coastal communities.
Assembly Bill 2522, known as the Sea Level Rise Preparedness Act of 2020, focuses on enhancing California's approach to managing the risks associated with sea level rise. The bill mandates that state agencies take the current and future impacts of sea level rise into account in their planning, designing, building, operating, and maintenance of coastal infrastructure. Furthermore, it aligns the governance of resource conservation and climate change strategies with contemporary scientific assessments and best practices in risk management.
The sentiment surrounding AB 2522 appears to be largely supportive, as it aligns with broader efforts to combat climate change and protect vulnerable communities. Legislative discussions reveal an understanding that proactive measures are necessary to safeguard both infrastructure and public health, especially for frontline and low-income communities that bear the brunt of environmental hazards. However, there may be some critical viewpoints regarding funding implications and local agency autonomy in decision-making.
Notable points of contention may arise from the bill's requirements for economic analyses and potential funding restrictions, as these could limit local governments' flexibility in addressing their specific needs innovatively. Critics may argue that a one-size-fits-all approach to federal and state infrastructure could overlook unique local conditions, which is critical when considering adaptive strategies for varying contextual challenges along the California coastline.