Bay Plan Amended to Address Sea Level Rise
On October 6, the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) unanimously approved an amendment to the Bay Plan to address sea level rise in the Bay due to climate change. The amendment requires future development around San Francisco Bay to consider the potential for sea level rise and plan accordingly. Sea level in the Bay is expected to rise by as much as 60 inches by the year 2100.
Baykeeper, along with our allies, has been an active proponent of this sensible approach of preventing development that would increase the risk of flooding and Bay pollution, while preserving sensitive shoreline habitat. BCDC originally proposed the amendment in spring of 2009, but the plan was delayed by opposition from development interests.
Baykeeper looks forward to seeing the development of a regional strategy to address sea level rise, which is now a requirement of the Bay Plan, and we'll continue working with Bay Area cities to help prepare for climate change in the Bay.
Photo credit: Jill Clardy (Flickr/CC)
