CA SB539

Department of Water Resources and Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy must provide assistance to the City of Los Angeles and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to integrate nature-based climate solutions into planning for the Sepulveda Basin

Defines "nature-based climate solutions" as restoration, conservation, and land management actions that protect against climate impacts and increase carbon sequestration or reduce greenhouse gas emissions on natural and working lands

Sepulveda Basin encompasses approximately 2,000 acres of federally-owned flood management facility north of Highway 101, west of Route 405, south of Victory Boulevard, and east of White Oak Avenue

Legislative findings note the basin serves as wildlife habitat supporting over 200 bird species and several threatened and endangered species, and a 2022 study shows it lacks capacity to fully protect communities during 100-year storm events

Approved by Governor October 8, 2023