Bill > AB399

This bill addresses California's efforts to combat climate change by introducing blue carbon demonstration projects through the California Coastal Commission. Blue carbon refers to carbon captured and stored in coastal ecosystems like wetlands and seagrasses, which can sequester carbon at rates higher than tropical forests. The bill defines blue carbon demonstration projects as restoration efforts in historically degraded coastal habitats, using native species and focusing on ecologically appropriate locations. Upon legislative appropriation, the California Coastal Commission would be authorized to approve these projects to help quantify their carbon sequestration potential and inform the state's climate resilience strategies. For nonresidential projects that impact coastal habitats, the Commission can now require developers to build or contribute to blue carbon demonstration projects as environmental mitigation. The bill mandates that these projects be carefully designed, monitored, and evaluated, with results presented in a public hearing. This aligns with California's broader goals of reducing carbon emissions 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% by 2050, and supports Governor Newsom's Executive Order to develop a Climate Smart Strategy for natural and working lands.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB399