CONTRA COSTA TIMES: State Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee authorizes Coastal Conservancy to work on climate change

The state Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee on Tuesday approved a measure that would authorize the California Coastal Conservancy to fund and undertake projects aimed at addressing climate change.

Nonstate funds would cover the costs Senate Bill 1066, which was introduced in February by state Sen. Ted Lieu, D-Redondo Beach.

The state Coastal Conservancy has worked with public and private groups to protect coastal resources and habitats.

"Rising sea levels and extreme storm-driven waves pose direct risks to the state's coastal resources," Lieu said. "With the coastal economy contributing $40 billion annually to the state and with 80 percent of California's 38 million residents living within 30 miles of the coast, we must take steps now to ensure the coastal economy survives."