California urged to make disaster plans
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A bill was introduced on Thursday, urging California to make disaster plans in case global warming causes the sea level.
"Our seas are rising from climate change, which poses unprecedented risks for homes, businesses and commerce," said Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, who introduced the bill.
"California must immediately begin planning for this intrusion of water, particularly for the way it may damage valuable infrastructure such as ports," Brownley said.
Assembly Bill 752 would require the Los Angeles International Airport, the Port of Los Angeles and other coastal facilities to get prepared for any scenarios if global warming caused the sea level to rise.
These facilities would have to submit their plans by July 1, 2013, to several state entities including the State Lands Commission, the Secretary for Environmental Protection and the Governor's Office of Planning and Research.
The bill also calls for a study of the potential impact of sea level rise on granted public trust lands, including costs and strategies to prevent or mitigate damage to development and infrastructure.
According to Brownley, the measure gives entities several options for responding without incurring much cost.
"This legislation brings immediate focus to the climate-change risk facing our public lands," said state Controller John Chiang, also a member of the State Lands Commission.
"It will lay out the steps necessary to protect California's infrastructure, its communities, and its all-important coastal economy."
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