The California Coastal Commission has long lobbied for the power to fine anyone who violates laws protecting beach habitat and public access — and this week they may just get it. Until now, the Commission has had to engage in costly and extended legal battles to penalize offenders. But California’s Senate is voting on a bill to give them fining power later this week. The bill’s backers argue that the Commission should have direct control over fining transgressors, but a coalition of businesses disagrees. The group says that its idea of violating the law differs from that of the Commission. We’ll dig into how to best balance conservation, public access, and business interests on California’s beaches.
- More: The California Coastal Commission website
- More: Bill Could Give CC Teeth to Fine Violators – MercuryNews.com
- More: Information on AB 976 – Leginfo.ca.gov