North Coast California News

Assemblywoman Laurie Davies announced today that her bill, AB 1881, has been signed into law. The measure mandates that decisions made by the Coastal Commission include input from experts in the relevant scientific or environmental issues under review.

"In District 74, coastal erosion has posed a significant threat to our communities, infrastructure, and natural habitats," stated Davies. "By working to address this key issue, we can protect our district’s economic vitality, environmental health, property values, and the quality of life for our community."

The Coastal Commission is responsible for planning and regulating land and water use along California’s coast. Its primary concern is the protection of the state’s natural and scenic coastal resources when reviewing proposed changes and developments. The new law aims to incorporate specialized expertise into the Commission’s decision-making process.

"Our deteriorating shoreline is an issue that plagues California’s beautiful beaches and natural resources," said Assemblywoman Davies. "Coastal development faces future eroding bluffs and significant challenges. AB 1881 is a simple measure to ensure that the California Coastal Commission includes someone with a background in coastal erosion mitigation efforts when it reviews projects."

The inclusion of specialized expertise ensures that projects under review receive scientific analysis rather than just shared views. This approach will aid in planning for development in coastal zones while protecting coastlines and property owners' interests for future generations.

The Coastal Commission operates as an independent, quasi-judicial state agency with a mission statement committed to "protecting and enhancing California’s coast and ocean for present and future generations" through environmentally sustainable development planning, rigorous use of science, public participation, education on coastal access rights, and effective intergovernmental coordination.

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