AB 65 Summary

• Requires the State Coastal Conservancy to prioritize projects using natural infrastructure when allocating Proposition 68 bond funds ($40 million) for coastal community climate adaptation projects.

• Mandates the Conservancy provide project information to the Office of Planning and Research for inclusion in the climate adaptation clearinghouse and authorizes technical assistance to coastal communities.

• Defines "natural infrastructure" to include conservation and sustainable management of vegetated open spaces (beaches, dunes, tidal marshes, parks, urban tree canopies) and engineered systems mimicking natural processes (permeable pavements, bioswales, restored levees).

• Requires local general plan safety elements to identify natural infrastructure that may be used in climate adaptation projects where feasible, incorporating natural features and ecosystem processes when developing alternatives.

• Updates the state's climate adaptation strategy to promote natural systems and natural infrastructure when developing physical infrastructure to address climate change impacts.