California 2019-2020 Regular Session

California Senate Bill SB168

Introduced
1/28/19  
Introduced
1/28/19  
Refer
2/6/19  
Refer
2/6/19  
Report Pass
3/21/19  
Report Pass
3/21/19  
Refer
3/25/19  
Refer
3/25/19  
Report Pass
4/10/19  
Report Pass
4/10/19  
Refer
4/11/19  
Refer
4/11/19  
Report Pass
5/17/19  
Report Pass
5/17/19  
Engrossed
5/23/19  
Refer
6/6/19  
Refer
6/6/19  
Report Pass
6/26/19  

Caption

Climate change: Chief Climate Resilience Officer.

Impact

The bill amends the Public Resources Code to include a mandate for the newly created position and clearly outlines the responsibilities of the Chief Climate Resilience Officer. Key duties involve developing guidance documents to incorporate climate resilience into various state and local planning processes, ensuring that California can effectively address the impacts of climate change. The legislation also aims to facilitate multi-level government and private sector partnerships, enhancing the state’s capacity to respond to environmental changes and disasters.

Summary

Senate Bill 168, introduced by Senator Wieckowski, aims to bolster California's response to climate change by establishing the role of Chief Climate Resilience Officer in the Office of Planning and Research. This officer is intended to serve as the state's primary lead for planning and coordinating climate adaptation policies. The legislation stipulates that the officer will be appointed by the Governor and requires Senate confirmation, establishing a formal chain of accountability and leadership in tackling climate adaptation issues within the state.

Sentiment

There was a moderate sentiment towards the bill, reflecting a recognition of climate resilience as a crucial priority for California. Proponents highlight the need for such measures to build capacity against worsening climate impacts. However, some concerns were raised regarding the financial implications and the necessity of governmental oversight, indicating the potential for debate on the efficacy of such centralized roles in managing climate issues.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB 168 included discussions on the effectiveness of bureaucratic roles in swiftly addressing climate challenges. Critics questioned whether establishing a Chief Climate Resilience Officer would genuinely lead to meaningful action or simply add another layer of government. Additionally, the balance of expertise within the advisory council associated with the officer was a focal point, considering the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in climate adaptation strategies.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA SB306

Climate change: Equitable Building Decarbonization Program: Extreme Heat Action Plan.

CA SB394

Master Plan for Healthy, Sustainable, and Climate-Resilient Schools.

CA SB1182

Master Plan for Healthy, Sustainable, and Climate-Resilient Schools.

CA AB1195

Climate Change Preparedness, Resiliency, and Jobs for Communities Program: climate-beneficial projects: grant funding.

CA SB638

Climate Resiliency and Flood Protection Bond Act of 2024.

CA AB408

Climate-resilient Farms, Sustainable Healthy Food Access, and Farmworker Protection Bond Act of 2024.

CA SB675

Prescribed grazing: local assistance grant program: Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force.

CA SB261

Greenhouse gases: climate-related financial risk.

CA AB970

Insurance: Climate and Sustainability Insurance and Risk Reduction Program.

CA AB585

Climate change: infrastructure and clean energy projects: assessments.

Similar Bills

CA AB1088

Multifamily residential housing: energy programs.

CA SB262

Climate change: climate adaptation: advisory council.

CA SB366

The California Water Plan: long-term supply targets.

CA SB72

The California Water Plan: long-term supply targets.

CA SB17

Racial Equity Commission.

CA AB2470

Invasive Species Council of California.

CA SB1104

Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development: Office of Freight.