CA AB80

Requires the Ocean Protection Council, upon legislative appropriation, to oversee the establishment of a nonprofit West Coast Offshore Wind Science Entity to conduct baseline and ongoing monitoring of the California Current ocean ecosystem and research related to offshore wind development.

Mandates formation of a steering committee by July 1, 2024, composed of at least two representatives each from state agencies, federal agencies, California tribes, offshore wind industry, and environmental protection/justice nonprofits to provide governance and oversight.

Entity must review existing research and data, identify research gaps, recommend monitoring tools and technologies, establish data management practices, and allocate funds to address science priorities related to offshore wind impacts.

Steering committee and entity shall be informed by subcommittees including scientists, independent scientific organizations, traditional knowledge holders, fishery organizations, and other affected parties and rights holders.

Participants including Indigenous peoples and local knowledge holders shall receive compensation and expense reimbursement according to criteria developed by the steering committee.