Laird Ocean and Coastline Protection Bills Signed by Governor

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) today announced Governor Schwarzenegger has signed four bills authored by Mr. Laird that are related to protection of the ocean and California’s coastline.

“California's coastline is magnificent. The coast is not only where we live, but where we work and play," said Gov. Schwarzenegger. “These bills will allow California to continue on the path as a world leader in the preservation and protection of our ocean resources.”

“I’m pleased the governor has signed these bills into law because pollution, over-fishing, invasive species and the threat of oil spills continue to threaten our ocean and coastline,” said Assemblymember Laird.  “These bills show a commitment to investing in innovation, as well as proven strategies.”

About the bills

AB 740, Invasive Species: Aquatic invasive species significantly impact California’s marine ecosystem and coastal economies. Hull maintenance and cleaning of commercial vessels is necessary to remove the attached invasive species.  AB 740 would reduce the introduction of invasive species into California’s coastal waters through increased regulation of large commercial vessels entering California ports.  Specifically, the bill would expand the current ballast water regulatory program to include cleaning and maintenance of the vessel hulls.

AB 1220, Oil Spill Response Funding: The Office of Spill Prevention and Response was established in 1990 to create an oil spill prevention system, an oil spill response capability and a financial method to pay for oil spill cleanup.  Fees on oil importation, export and refining are used to maintain an oil spill reserve account of $54 million.  In addition to the account, the law was intended to authorize the State Treasurer to borrow additional funds if needed in response to an oil spill.  In reviewing the law, the Attorney General concluded that the State Treasurer would be unable to borrow the necessary funds.  AB 1220 would amend current law to provide that any bonds issued by the State Treasurer for the cleanup of oil spills would be backed by fees on oil importers, exporters and refiners.  By correcting the error in existing law, this bill assures that funds will be available for the cleanup of oil spills.

AB 1280, Fisheries Management Funding: Currently, traditional fishery management in California can be characterized as a “race for fish” in which fishers catch as much fish as possible, as fast as possible.  This race results in an unprofitable and depleted fishery.  Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) provide an opportunity to explore new and innovative approaches.  FMPs are currently required under the Marine Life Management Act, however the implementation and funding for the Act is significantly delayed.  AB 1280 aims to end the delay by increasing funding available for FMPs.

AB 1396, California Coastal Trail: For over 30 years, federal, state and local governments, as well as private entities, have supported the development of the Coastal Trail.  The Trail is envisioned to stretch 1,300 miles along the entire California Coast.   At this time the trail is only 40% complete.   AB 1396 requires Caltrans to participate in the development of the Trail, and to annually report to California’s resource agencies on surplus properties for sale in the coastal zone. The bill also requires regional transportation planning agencies to include provisions for the Trail in coastal transportation plans.