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AB 399

Coastal resources: coastal development permits: blue carbon demonstration projects.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tasha Boerner and 3 co-sponsors

AB 399 expedites coastal permits for blue carbon ecosystem projects to accelerate California's carbon sequestration and climate mitigation efforts through mangrove and seagrass restoration.

Consideration of Governor's veto pending.
#coastalresources #bluecarbondemonstrationprojects #coastaldevelopmentpermits
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Bill Summary · AB 399

Legislative bill overview

AB 399 establishes a streamlined coastal development permit process for blue carbon demonstration projects in California, which aim to sequester carbon in coastal ecosystems like mangroves, seagrass beds, and salt marshes. The bill would allow these environmental projects to proceed with expedited permitting while maintaining environmental safeguards through the California Coastal Commission's oversight.

Why is this important

Blue carbon ecosystems sequester carbon at rates 10-40 times higher than terrestrial forests, offering a significant climate mitigation tool. By reducing permitting delays for demonstration projects, California could accelerate climate solutions while generating data on effectiveness and scaling potential for future coastal restoration efforts.

Potential points of contention

  • Permit streamlining concerns: Environmental groups may worry that expedited permitting could compromise thorough environmental review of unintended consequences on existing coastal habitats and species
  • Definition and scope limitations: Disagreement over what qualifies as a "demonstration project" and whether exemptions from standard review are too broad or too narrow for meaningful climate impact
  • Competing coastal uses: Tension between blue carbon projects and other coastal economic interests (fishing, recreation, development) that may be affected by habitat restoration or restricted access

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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