CLEAN OUR WATER

One of the worst coastal environmental justice issues in the nation is happening at the California-Mexico border right now, where billions of gallons of sewage have been leaking into the Tijuana River Valley for years. We’re asking the Legislature to support AJR 12, a joint legislative resolution calling for funding of the EPA’s Comprehensive Infrastructure Solution.

A separate clean water issue stems from land-based sewage discharge across the coast that is causing ocean acidification hotspots, so we’re also asking Legislators to support an Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia Plan. During late summer months, these hot spots affect over 1,000 square miles of the Southern California Bight. Ocean acidification is gradually shifting the California coastline toward a more acidic, corrosive state, while hypoxia – or low dissolved oxygen levels – is making the ocean less habitable for many organisms.

SIGN the letter to support an OA and Hypoxia Plan (link to come)

Sea level in California will rise an average of 1 vertical foot in the next 30 years, which is likely to result in extreme flood vulnerabilities and lost beaches throughout the state. Urgent action is needed to plan for sea level rise, yet the Governor’s proposed 2024-2025 budget cuts coastal resilience funding in half. We’re asking the Legislature to restore four critical categories of coastal resilience funding so the state can start preparing for our climate future at the coast.

Because the State’s budget outlook is so dismal, there is also significant energy towards supporting a ‘climate bond’ to fund major climate priorities. More than 160 organizations across California are calling on the Governor and legislative leaders to back $10 billion in priority climate investments that include environmental justice priorities and coastal resilience. We must protect Californians from extreme heat, dangerous weather events, catastrophic wildfires and sea level rise. We’re urging state Legislators to support a climate bond in addition to restoration of the State’s coastal resilience budget.

SIGN the letter to Restore the Coastal Resilience Budget

The California Coastal Act is a piece of bedrock environment legislation that protects California’s sensitive coastal ecosystems and maximizes public access on and along the California coast. We’re telling legislators to oppose AB 2560 because it proposes development exemptions from the Coastal Act; and because affordable housing & coastal protection aren’t mutually exclusive.

We’re also celebrating the ten year anniversary of the State’s Marine Protected Area Network, established by the Marine Life Protection Act, which protects and conserves our state’s unparalleled ocean biodiversity and wildlife. This scientifically-based network is already showing incredible results for population and biodiversity. We continue to celebrate the MPA Network and we support strengthening it to increase benefits to California’s ecosystems, to local communities, and to enhance marine research and education.

JOIN the environmental justice and environmental coalition opposing ab 2560