Governor's budget proposal cuts funds protecting coast

California Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed climate budget would cut $561 million from local coastal resilience projects, a reduction of 43% compared to 2021 and 2022, potentially leaving vulnerable beaches, homes, and infrastructure unprotected against rising sea levels and climate change. 

The cuts form part of Newsom's proposed $6 billion reduction in the state's climate change programs due to a projected $22.5 billion statewide deficit. However, critics, including lawmakers and environmentalists, argue that the proposed cuts could have far-reaching implications and jeopardize efforts to address climate change.