State leaders in California are searching for solutions to protect coastal communities from rising sea levels, but doing so may come at a cost for residents.
What’s happening?
Per KMPH Fox 26, state legislators met in San Diego County to discuss rising sea levels and what that could mean for taxpayers. Several people presented research about the impacts of future flooding.
A representative from the San Diego Water Quality Control Board suggested creating mitigation banks along the coast to protect communities from extreme weather events. However, the recommendation came with some hesitation.
“When you kept talking about that, the concern I kept hearing, because of the communities I represent, that means more cost,” California Assembly Member David Alvarez said. “That means that’s out of taxpayers and ratepayers, which is certainly not a place we want to be.”
Why are rising sea levels concerning?
Burning dirty fuels produces planet-warming pollution that superchargesextreme weather events. Hurricanes and intense rainfall can result in flooding, and coastal communities are particularly at risk…