A new budget proposal working its way through the Assembly stands to gut the power of the California Coastal Commission by stripping away its ability to enforce the Coastal Act, defend itself against lawsuits, or even file lawsuits when it identifies a violation of environmental laws. Moreover, the proposal would force the Commission to get approval from the executive branch before engaging in any litigation. In other words, this proposal would make it impossible for the Coastal Commission to do its job. Even worse, the proposal doesn’t stop at with the Coastal Commission, but would actually impose these absurd rules on every agency that protects natural resources, including the California State Lands Commission.

Over the years since its creation, the California Coastal Commission has proven to be an invaluable guardian of the state’s magnificent coastlines. More than 25 California Important Bird Areas are in the Coastal Zone, and are under the protection of the California Coastal Commission. Time and time again, the Commission has been all that stood in the way of development or uses that would degrade habitat and recreational opportunities for all Californians.

The budget proposal will go before two Assembly Budget Subcommittee next week. If you live in Assembly districts 31 (Arambula), 1 (Chesbro), 65, (Cook), De La Torre (50), Jeffries (66), Evans (7), 2 (Nielsen), Ruskin (21), Caballero (28), Gilmore (30), or Huffman (6), your Assembly Member will have a vote. If you live in one of these districts, take the time to send him or her a note asking them to leave the Coastal Commission and other guardians of our natural resources out of this proposal.

(photo by Bobby Johnson)