BILL ANALYSIS Ó
AB 2139
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Date of Hearing: May 4, 2016
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Lorena Gonzalez, Chair
AB
2139 (Williams) - As Amended March 28, 2016
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|Policy |Natural Resources |Vote:|5 - 1 |
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Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: NoReimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill requires the Ocean Protection Council (OPC) to
facilitate research and compile data on the causes and effects
of ocean acidification. This bill also requires the OPC to
adopt recommendations for further legislative and executive
actions to address ocean acidification no later than January 1,
2018.
FISCAL EFFECT:
1)Unknown, potentially significant cost pressures to implement
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any executive or legislative recommendations resulting from
the research and compilation of data.
2)No additional state funds for OPC to conduct research and
compile data. The OPC is currently involved in similar
activities with plans to expend Proposition 84 bond funds for
the research necessary to implement the report.
COMMENTS:
1)Rationale. The ocean absorbs about a third of the carbon
dioxide that is released into the atmosphere each year from
the burning of fossil fuels and other human activities. As
the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere increase, so do
the levels in the ocean. This changes the chemistry of the
water and threatens marine ecosystems and coastal communities
dependent on the health of the sea. Ocean acidification is
the lowering of the pH of the ocean and changing of the
ocean's chemistry, which can lead to low dissolved oxygen
water (hypoxia) in ocean ecosystems. Ocean acidification will
likely have major impacts on the fisheries and aquaculture
industries in California.
According to the author, ocean acidification has cost the
oyster industry in the Pacific Northwest $110 million and
jeopardized 3,200 jobs.
The West Coast Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia Science Panel
recently released a synthesis of the current state of
scientific knowledge about ocean acidification and hypoxia in
California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. The
Panel's final report included potential management options to
be used to address ocean acidification on the west coast. This
bill requires OPC to develop California specific
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recommendations on how the state can address this problem.
2)Background. The OPC is comprised of the Secretary of Natural
Resources Agency (NRA), the Secretary for Environmental
Protection, the Chair of the State Lands Commission, and two
members of the public appointed by the Governor. The OPC is
required to support state agencies' use and sharing of
scientific and geospatial information for coastal and
ocean-relevant decision making including the effects of
climate change.
The NRA is required to update its climate adaptation strategy,
the Safeguarding California Plan (Plan), by July 1, 2017, and
every three years thereafter by coordinating adaption
activities among lead state agencies in each sector.
3)Proposition 84. The Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and
Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act
of 2006 (Proposition 84), as approved by the voters,
authorizes $5.388 billion in general obligation bonds to fund
safe drinking water, water quality and supply, flood control,
waterway and natural resource protection, water pollution and
contamination control, state and local park improvements,
public access to natural resources, and water conservation
efforts.
The Coastal Conservancy administers Proposition 84 funds for
the Ocean Protection Council,
for projects that carry out the purposes of the California Ocean
Protection Act and are
consistent with the Conservancy's authorities.
Proposition 84 provided $90 million to for the development of
scientific data needed to adaptively manage the state's marine
resources and reserves, including the development of marine
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habitat maps and the implementation of projects to foster
sustainable fisheries using loans and grants.
4)OPC Activities. The OPC is currently exploring ocean
acidification and potential remedies using Proposition 84 bond
funds. It is unclear if the OPC will be able to complete its
work within the time frame of this bill. The author may wish
to work with the Administration to align the timing and
specifics of this bill with OPC planned and current
activities.
5)Related Legislation. SB 1363 (Monning) requires OPC, in
coordination with the State Coastal Conservancy, to establish
and administer the Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia Reduction
Program. This bill is pending in the Senate Appropriations
Committee.
Analysis Prepared by:Jennifer Galehouse / APPR. / (916)
319-2081