New state “Climate Adaptation” bill introduced – Sen. Wiekowski – SB 262

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2017–2018 REGULAR SESSION

An act to amend Section 71358 of the Public Resources Code, relating to climate change.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

SB 262, as introduced, Wieckowski. Climate change: climate adaptation: advisory council.

Existing law requires the Office of Planning and Research to establish an advisory council, comprised of members for a range of disciplines, to support the office’s goals to facilitate coordination among state, regional, and local agency efforts to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

This bill would specify that the members on the advisory council serve staggered terms of 4 years. The bill would require the members of the advisory council to select a chairperson from their members.

DIGEST KEY

Vote: majority   Appropriation: no   Fiscal Committee: yes   Local Program: no

BILL TEXT

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1.

Section 71358 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:

71358.

(a) An advisory council to the office is hereby established. The advisory council shall be comprised of members from a range of disciplines, in order to provide scientific and technical support, and from regional and local governments and entities. The advisory council shall support the office’s goals, as identified in this part, to facilitate coordination among state, regional, and local agency efforts to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

(b) Members of the advisory council shall have expertise in the intersection of climate change and areas that include, but need not be limited to, any of the following:

(1) Public health.

(2) Environmental quality.

(3) Environmental justice.

(4) Agriculture.

(5) Transportation and housing.

(6) Energy.

(7) Natural resources and water.

(8) Planning.

(9) Recycling and waste management.

(10) Local or regional government.

(11) Tribal issues.

(12) Emergency services and public safety.

(c) The members of the advisory council shall select a chairperson from their members, who shall serve for not more than four years in that capacity.

(d) (1) Beginning January 1, 2018, members of the advisory council shall serve staggered terms of four years.

(2) One-half of the members shall be chosen by lot to serve an initial two-year term beginning January 1, 2018.

(c)

(e) The advisory council shall meet with the office as needed, but not less than three times a year.