Resiliency Through Adaptation, Economic Vitality, and Equity Act of 2022.
AB1384 alters existing law by extending timelines for the Safeguarding California Plan updates and increasing requirements for coordination with the Office of Planning and Research. The bill places a strong emphasis on equity, directing state agencies to prioritize vulnerable communities and to rectify systemic inequities in public investment related to climate resilience. By doing so, it aims to ensure that the adaptation strategies not only address climate-related vulnerabilities but also enhance social justice and community engagement across various sectors.
Assembly Bill No. 1384, known as the Resiliency Through Adaptation, Economic Vitality, and Equity Act of 2022, focuses on required actions by the Natural Resources Agency and other state bodies to address climate change. The bill mandates the release of a draft climate adaptation strategy by January 1, 2024, and updates every three years, emphasizing the need to address vulnerabilities specifically affecting vulnerable communities. This legislative effort seeks to create a comprehensive framework for resilience against climate change's impacts, which are increasingly urgent due to rising costs predicted to exceed $100 billion annually by 2050 in California.
The sentiment around AB1384 is generally supportive among environmental and social equity advocates who view the bill as a necessary step towards granting protections and resources to vulnerable populations affected by climate change. Proponents celebrate the priorities it establishes while others express concerns about the implementation's effectiveness and the adequacy of resources allocated for its ambitious goals.
Notable points of contention include differing views on the practicality of meeting the comprehensive requirements placed upon state agencies, particularly regarding their capacity to adequately engage with community stakeholders and the extent of available funding to support the ambitious goals outlined in the legislation. Critics worry that without proper funding and clear guidelines, the lofty aspirations of equitable adaptation processes may not be achieved despite the good intentions of the bill.