CA AB1590

Establishes the Major Coastal Resorts Environmental Accountability Act requiring biennial compliance audits by the California Coastal Commission for resorts with over 300 guest rooms, golf courses, and coastal proximity or proximity to sensitive habitats.

Requires coastal development permits for major coastal resorts approved after January 1, 2024 to include biological resource monitoring plans, stormwater discharge monitoring, and turf/landscape/pest management plans using state-of-the-art environmental methods.

Prohibits use of nonorganic pesticides and fertilizing materials at major coastal resorts.

Bans major coastal resorts from providing guests with single-use plastic bottled beverages, nonrecyclable coffee pods, plastic straws, single-use plastic bags, and expanded polystyrene products; requires recycling bins in each guest room.

Provides whistleblower protections for employees disclosing resort noncompliance with environmental permits and mitigation measures, with damages of up to $500 per employee per day; establishes $500 per day civil penalties for violations.