CA AB45

Authorizes the California Coastal Commission to authorize blue carbon demonstration projects to demonstrate and quantify carbon sequestration potential in coastal habitats to inform natural and working lands and climate resilience strategies.

Defines "blue carbon demonstration project" as restoration of coastal wetland, subtidal, intertidal, or marine habitats in ecologically appropriate locations where the habitat historically occurred, using diverse native species.

Allows the commission to require applicants with projects impacting coastal wetland, subtidal, intertidal, or marine habitats or ecosystems to build or contribute to a blue carbon demonstration project.

Requires the commission to consult with the State Air Resources Board, Department of Fish and Wildlife, State Coastal Conservancy, State Lands Commission, and federal agencies in developing the program.

Mandates that each blue carbon demonstration project be designed, monitored, and evaluated to measure carbon uptake and sequestration, with results presented to the commission in a public hearing.