Governing California Through Climate Change

Report #221, July 2014
Governing California Through Climate Change

Full Report

Executive Summary

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2014

For Additional Information Contact:
Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Commission Calls for California to Lead in Climate Change Adaptation

The Little Hoover Commission on Thursday sent a message to the state’s leaders: California is beginning to see the initial effects of a warming climate as ongoing efforts by world governments fall short in reducing carbon emissions. Governments statewide must plan now for the impacts of climate change.

A new anticipated environmental reality beginning to envelop California includes a Pacific Ocean rising along 1,100 miles of shoreline, irregular precipitation that includes downpours and drought, higher temperatures, larger, more destructive wildfires and diminishing snowfalls. All suggest eventual damage to property, infrastructure and the natural environment, higher insurance rates, disruption of supply chains and financial insecurity.

“It is already too late to head off impacts of climate change. Even as actions to curb greenhouse gases continue, California must prepare for the inevitable,” said Little Hoover Commission Chairman Pedro Nava. “Preparing well will cost far less than rebuilding infrastructure and managing emergencies.”

In its report, Governing California Through Climate Change, the Little Hoover Commission calls on the Governor and Legislature to assume the same leadership role in climate change adaptation and risk assessment as it has for addressing greenhouse gases that contribute to a warming atmosphere. “State government in California sets the pace in reducing carbon emissions. The Commission asks the state to exercise the same global leadership in climate adaptation,” said Mr. Nava.

During a year-long study, the Commission found encouragement in efforts by state agencies to understand the climate challenge and gauge California’s vulnerability. However, “There is not much of a game plan beyond a growing stack of studies and plans,” the report states. The Commission found that there is no single-stop administrative structure in place to create statewide climate adaptation policy, overcome institutional barriers and govern the state’s response to climate change impacts. Adaptation efforts are scattered throughout the bureaucracies of state government.

The Commission also found that there is no single authoritative source of clear, standardized information to guide decision-making in contentious arenas such as land use and infrastructure investment. Witnesses testifying at three Commission hearings told the Commission that the state has become good at telling people they may be in danger. But it has not been able to define that danger well at the level of four square blocks in a particular city. Local governments need standardized, authoritative and science- based information on which to base decisions. The state, in short, is still largely unable to tell most Californians what to do about the danger they face.

The Commission believes that organizational change is necessary to make statewide adaptation to climate change more efficient. The status quo is slow-moving, understaffed and inwardly-focused on state agencies. State adaptation efforts also lack adequate scientific expertise and command of the best-available risk assessment methodologies. “Much of California’s future rides on effective preparation and response, both at the state level and at the critical nexus of state and local government,” said Mr. Nava. “The recommendations in this report aim to strengthen the state’s institutional capacity as it addresses the historic governing challenge ahead.”

The Commission calls for the Governor and Legislature to create a new state entity or enhance the capacity of an existing state organization to establish and share the best-available state science and risk assessment procedures for anticipated climate impacts. The Commission envisions this organization becoming the authoritative source for local and regional governments to connect in two-way exchanges with the state for assessment of their climate risks. Critical to the organization’s performance in establishing the best-available information for decision-making will be inclusion of views from local governments, business and the private sector. Models for such an organization already exist within state government.

The Commission also calls for the California Strategic Growth Council to expand its focus beyond emissions reduction to fund stronger climate adaptation in cities, counties and regions. The council’s mission to steer more residential and commercial development to existing urban areas has potential to unwittingly move more people and property into harm’s way. An expanded focus on climate impacts and adaptation will help balance state growth policies with those of climate adaptation.

Finally, the Commission calls for more aggressive enforcement of defensible space requirements to minimize property damage from wildfires, and for the Governor to work with key state agencies to clarify the impact of sea level rise on property rights under California’s Common Law Public Trust doctrine.

The Little Hoover Commission is a bipartisan and independent state agency charged with recommending ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of state programs. The Commission’s recommendations are submitted to the Governor and the Legislature for their consideration and action. For a copy of the report, visit the Commission’s website: www.lhc.ca.gov.

Fact Sheet

Study Description

For this study, the Commission reviewed climate change adaptation in California. As a major coastal state with trillions of dollars of infrastructure and developed property fronting the Pacific Ocean, California is particularly vulnerable to impacts of climate change. The state’s water and energy supplies, forested land and agriculture are equally vulnerable.

In this study, the Commission examined the governance and legal structures necessary to effectively adapt to changing climate conditions. As part of this review, the Commission assessed the appropriate frameworks to guide responses, decisions and investments during a time of uncertainty.

Agenda

Overview

In this report, the Commission calls on the Governor and Legislature to assume the same leadership role in climate change adaptation and climate risk assessment as it has for addressing greenhouse gas emissions.

During its study, the Commission found encouragement in efforts by state agencies to understand the climate challenge and gauge California’s vulnerability. However, the Commission found that there is no single-stop administrative structure in place to create statewide climate adaptation policy, overcome institutional barriers and govern the state’s response to climate change impacts. The Commission also found that there is no single authoritative source of clear, standardized information to guide decision-making in contentious arenas such as land use and infrastructure investment.

The Commission recommends that the Governor and Legislature create a new state entity or enhance the capacity of an existing state organization to be the authoritative source for local and regional governments to work with the state to assess climate risks. The Commission also recommends for the Strategic Growth Council’s planning and grant–making process to expand its focus beyond reducing emissions to also build stronger climate adaptation efforts in cities, counties and regions. Finally, the Commission recommends for more aggressive enforcement of defensible space requirements to minimize property damage from wildfires, and for the Governor to work with key state agencies to clarify the impact of sea level rise on property rights under California’s Common Law Public Trust doctrine.

Print Agenda
  • July 10
    2014
    Climate Change Adaptation
    10:00 a.m., Suite 805, 925 L Street, Sacramento, CA
    Public Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    July 9, 2014

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Revised Notice of Meeting
    (New Teleconference Location)

    On Thursday, July 10, 2014 the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a meeting to discuss and consider a draft report on Climate Change Adaptation. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in Suite 805 at 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    Additional teleconference locations accessible to the public during the meeting will be:

    • 333 S Hope Street, 29th floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071
       
    • 1800 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90067
       
    • 61 Moraga Way, #4, Orinda, CA 94563
       
    • 201 Third Street, 7th floor, San Francisco, CA
       
    • 94103 750 Battery Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94111
       
    • 1221 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
       
    • 12132 South Garfield Avenue, South Gate, CA 90280

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, http://www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, July 7, 2014.

  • February 27
    2014
    Climate Change Adaptation
    9:30 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Climate Change Adaptation
    Thursday, February 27, 2014, at 9:30 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Logistics and Trade: Moving Goods, Moving People

    1. Joe Birrer, Principal Engineer, Design, Construction and Technology, San Francisco International Airport (Written Testimony)
       
    2. T.L. Garrett, Vice President, Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (Written Testimony, Attachment)
       

    Energy: Keeping the Lights On

    1. Robert B. Anderson, Director, Resource Planning, San Diego Gas & Electric (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Jamie Exon, Manager, Electric Distribution Operations - Major Projects, San Diego Gas & Electric


    Technology and Infrastructure: Protecting High-Investment Areas

    1. Michael Mielke, Vice President, Environmental Policy and Programs, Silicon Valley Leadership Group (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Jeffrey Goldman, Principal, AECOM (Written Testimony)


    Agriculture: Preserving the $2 Billion Citrus Industry

    1. Joel Nelsen, President and Chief Executive Officer, California Citrus Mutual (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Communities: Building for Tomorrow

    1. Richard Lyon, Senior Vice President, Public Policy, California Building Industry Association (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Robert Raymer, Senior Engineer and Technical Director, California Building Industry Association (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

    • Louis Blumberg, Director, California Climate Change Program, The Nature Conservancy (Written Comments)
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 26, 2014

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Revised Notice of Meeting
    (New Business Meeting Location)

    On Thursday, February 27, 2014, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on climate change adaptation. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    The Commission is examining governance and legal structures for California to adapt to a changing climate. At this hearing, the Commission will focus on key economic sectors and private enterprises and how they are formulating climate change adaptation strategies.

    The Commission will hear from the principal engineer for design, construction and technology at San Francisco International Airport about the viability of SFO airport operations as a result of a rising Pacific Ocean. A vice president for the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association will describe how large Pacific Ocean shippers view preparations being made at government-owned ports. The Commission also will hear from the director of resource planning and an electric distribution operations manager with San Diego Gas & Electric on the regulated utility’s strategies to cope with climate threats. The Commission additionally will hear from the vice president for environmental programs at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group and a principal at AECOM. They will discuss the state’s probable long-term infrastructure needs and what may be needed to protect “high-investment” areas such as Silicon Valley. The president and chief executive officer of California Citrus Mutual will testify about potential climate impacts on the citrus industry and other specialty crops. Finally, the senior vice president of public policy and senior engineer and technical director with the California Building Industry Association will discuss the homebuilding industry’s preparedness for adverse climate impacts.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. The Commission will convene its business meeting in Room 437 of the Capitol then reconvene later in the day, at the chair’s discretion, in Conference Room 175 on the first floor of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, February 20, 2014

    Video
  • February 26
    2014
    Climate Change Adaptation
    1:30 p.m., 925 L Street, Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower
    Advisory Committee Meeting
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Advisory Committee Meeting on the Role of Risk Assessment in Climate Change Adaptation
    Wednesday, February 26, 2014, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
    925 L Street, Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level
    Sacramento, CA


    Meeting Goals: To discuss concepts of risk assessment in the context of climate change impacts, and explore recommendations to embed these concepts into state and local decision-making frameworks.

    1:30 – 1:40 p.m.

    Welcome and Introduction
    Subcommittee Chair Loren Kaye and Executive Director Carole D’Elia

    1:40 – 3:30 p.m.

    Discussion:

    • Analyzing climate risk assessment needs.

    • Parallels to existing processes. 

    • Alternatives for decision-making.

    Public Comments

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the discussion. Please notify Commission staff if you would like to make a comment.

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 12, 2014

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Wednesday, February 26, 2014, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct an advisory committee meeting on climate change adaptation. The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    The February 26, 2014, advisory committee meeting will focus on the role of risk assessment in climate change adaptation. The discussion will examine concepts of risk assessment in the context of climate change impacts, and explore recommendations to embed these concepts into state and local decision-making frameworks. Participants will explain how risk assessments are being used to develop and implement climate change adaptation plans and strategies throughout California.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the meeting. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, February 19, 2014.

  • October 24
    2013
    Climate Change Adaptation
    9:30 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Climate Change Adaptation
    Thursday, October 24, 2013, at 9:30 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Los Angeles - How 10 million People will Confront Climate Change

    1. Alex Hall, Professor, Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Krista Kline, Managing Director, Los Angeles Regional Collaborative for Climate Action and Sustainability (Written Testimony)
       
    3. Jonathan Parfrey, Executive Director, Climate Resolve (Written Testimony)
       

    San Diego - A Community Foundation Points the Way

    1. Emily Young, Vice President, Environment Initiatives, The San Diego Foundation (Written Testimony)


    San Francisco Bay Area - Preparing for a World of High Water

    1. R. Zachary Wasserman, Chair, San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Larry Goldzband, Executive Director, San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission 
       
    3. Bruce Riordan, Climate Strategist, Bay Area Joint Policy Committee, and Chair, Alliance of Regional Collaboratives for Climate Adaptation (Written Testimony)


    Sacramento and the Rest - Building Frameworks for Resilience

    1. Kate Meis, Executive Director, Local Government Commission (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Larry Greene, Executive Director/Air Pollution Control Officer, Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

    • Will Travis, Former Executive Director, San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (Written Comments)
       
    • Sue Sims, Executive Officer, California Water Commission (Written Comments)
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    October 23, 2013

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting
    (Revision to Business Meeting Agenda)

    On Thursday, October 24, 2013, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on climate change adaptation. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    The Commission is examining governance and legal structures for California to adapt to a changing climate. At this hearing, the Commission will focus on California’s major metropolitan regions, Los Angeles, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento, which are beginning to design climate change planning and response strategies (independently from the state).

    The Commission will hear from Alex Hall, a University of California, Los Angeles professor and expert on regional climate impacts. The managing director for the Los Angeles Regional Collaborative for Climate Action and Sustainability and the executive director of Climate Resolve will discuss climate adaptation efforts in Los Angeles County. The Commission also will hear from the vice president of environment initiatives at the San Diego Foundation on addressing climate impacts in San Diego County. The Commission additionally will hear from the climate strategist for the Bay Area Joint Policy Committee and the chair and executive director of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, who will discuss how the region is preparing for rising water. Finally, the executive director of the Local Government Commission and the executive director of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District will testify about emerging regional adaptation efforts in Sacramento.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in Conference Room 175 on the first floor of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 17, 2013.

    Video
  • August 22
    2013
    Climate Change Adaptation
    9:30 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Climate Change Adaptation
    Thursday, August 22, 2013, at 9:30 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    The Implications of a Rising Pacific Ocean

    1. Charles Lester, Executive Director, California Coastal Commission (Written Testimony)
       

    Preparing for Uncertainty - How California Plans to Respond

    1. Ann C. Chan, Deputy Secretary for Climate Change and Energy, California Natural Resources Agency (Written Testimony)


    Need for New Laws and Governance Structures

    1. Daniel Mazmanian, Public Policy Professor, Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Susanne Moser, Director and Principal Researcher, Susanne Moser Research & Consulting (Written Testimony)
       
    3. Robert Verchick, Gauthier-St. Martin Chair in Environmental Law, Loyola University, New Orleans (Written Testimony)


    Pricing Risk and the Role of Insurance

    1. Stephen G. Bushnell, Senior Director, Fireman's Fund Insurance Company (Written Testimony)


    Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

    • Jennifer Lucchesi, Executive Officer, California State Lands Commission (Written Comments)
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    August 12, 2013

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Revised Notice of Meeting
    (Revision to List of Speakers) 

    On Thursday, August 22, 2013, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on climate change adaptation. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    In this review of climate change adaptation the Commission will examine the governance and legal structures necessary to effectively adapt to changing climate conditions. Additionally, the Commission will assess appropriate frameworks to guide responses, decisions and investments during a time of uncertainty. At this hearing, the executive director of the California Coastal Commission will discuss the implications of a rising Pacific Ocean. Additionally, the deputy secretary of climate change and energy at the California Natural Resources Agency will discuss how California plans to respond to climate change. The Commission also will hear from Daniel Mazmanian, a University of Southern California professor on governance structures, followed by the director and principal researcher of Susanne Moser Research & Consulting on barriers to adaptation. The Commission additionally will hear from Robert Verchick, a professor from Loyola University, New Orleans, who is an expert in disaster law. Finally, the senior director of the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company will testify about the insurance industry’s role with climate change.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, August 15, 2013.

    Video
July 10
2014
Climate Change Adaptation
10:00 a.m., Suite 805, 925 L Street, Sacramento, CA
Public Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2014

For Additional Information Contact:
Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Revised Notice of Meeting
(New Teleconference Location)

On Thursday, July 10, 2014 the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a meeting to discuss and consider a draft report on Climate Change Adaptation. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in Suite 805 at 925 L Street in Sacramento.

Additional teleconference locations accessible to the public during the meeting will be:

  • 333 S Hope Street, 29th floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071
     
  • 1800 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90067
     
  • 61 Moraga Way, #4, Orinda, CA 94563
     
  • 201 Third Street, 7th floor, San Francisco, CA
     
  • 94103 750 Battery Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94111
     
  • 1221 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
     
  • 12132 South Garfield Avenue, South Gate, CA 90280

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, http://www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, July 7, 2014.

February 27
2014
Climate Change Adaptation
9:30 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Climate Change Adaptation
Thursday, February 27, 2014, at 9:30 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Logistics and Trade: Moving Goods, Moving People

  1. Joe Birrer, Principal Engineer, Design, Construction and Technology, San Francisco International Airport (Written Testimony)
     
  2. T.L. Garrett, Vice President, Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (Written Testimony, Attachment)
     

Energy: Keeping the Lights On

  1. Robert B. Anderson, Director, Resource Planning, San Diego Gas & Electric (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Jamie Exon, Manager, Electric Distribution Operations - Major Projects, San Diego Gas & Electric


Technology and Infrastructure: Protecting High-Investment Areas

  1. Michael Mielke, Vice President, Environmental Policy and Programs, Silicon Valley Leadership Group (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Jeffrey Goldman, Principal, AECOM (Written Testimony)


Agriculture: Preserving the $2 Billion Citrus Industry

  1. Joel Nelsen, President and Chief Executive Officer, California Citrus Mutual (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Communities: Building for Tomorrow

  1. Richard Lyon, Senior Vice President, Public Policy, California Building Industry Association (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Robert Raymer, Senior Engineer and Technical Director, California Building Industry Association (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

  • Louis Blumberg, Director, California Climate Change Program, The Nature Conservancy (Written Comments)
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2014

For Additional Information Contact:
Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Revised Notice of Meeting
(New Business Meeting Location)

On Thursday, February 27, 2014, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on climate change adaptation. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

The Commission is examining governance and legal structures for California to adapt to a changing climate. At this hearing, the Commission will focus on key economic sectors and private enterprises and how they are formulating climate change adaptation strategies.

The Commission will hear from the principal engineer for design, construction and technology at San Francisco International Airport about the viability of SFO airport operations as a result of a rising Pacific Ocean. A vice president for the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association will describe how large Pacific Ocean shippers view preparations being made at government-owned ports. The Commission also will hear from the director of resource planning and an electric distribution operations manager with San Diego Gas & Electric on the regulated utility’s strategies to cope with climate threats. The Commission additionally will hear from the vice president for environmental programs at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group and a principal at AECOM. They will discuss the state’s probable long-term infrastructure needs and what may be needed to protect “high-investment” areas such as Silicon Valley. The president and chief executive officer of California Citrus Mutual will testify about potential climate impacts on the citrus industry and other specialty crops. Finally, the senior vice president of public policy and senior engineer and technical director with the California Building Industry Association will discuss the homebuilding industry’s preparedness for adverse climate impacts.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. The Commission will convene its business meeting in Room 437 of the Capitol then reconvene later in the day, at the chair’s discretion, in Conference Room 175 on the first floor of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, February 20, 2014

Video
February 26
2014
Climate Change Adaptation
1:30 p.m., 925 L Street, Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, Sacramento, CA
Advisory Committee Meeting
Agenda

AGENDA

Advisory Committee Meeting on the Role of Risk Assessment in Climate Change Adaptation
Wednesday, February 26, 2014, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
925 L Street, Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level
Sacramento, CA


Meeting Goals: To discuss concepts of risk assessment in the context of climate change impacts, and explore recommendations to embed these concepts into state and local decision-making frameworks.

1:30 – 1:40 p.m.

Welcome and Introduction
Subcommittee Chair Loren Kaye and Executive Director Carole D’Elia

1:40 – 3:30 p.m.

Discussion:

  • Analyzing climate risk assessment needs.

  • Parallels to existing processes. 

  • Alternatives for decision-making.

Public Comments

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the discussion. Please notify Commission staff if you would like to make a comment.

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2014

For Additional Information Contact:
Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Wednesday, February 26, 2014, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct an advisory committee meeting on climate change adaptation. The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L Street in Sacramento.

The February 26, 2014, advisory committee meeting will focus on the role of risk assessment in climate change adaptation. The discussion will examine concepts of risk assessment in the context of climate change impacts, and explore recommendations to embed these concepts into state and local decision-making frameworks. Participants will explain how risk assessments are being used to develop and implement climate change adaptation plans and strategies throughout California.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the meeting. The Commission also encourages written comments.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, February 19, 2014.

October 24
2013
Climate Change Adaptation
9:30 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Climate Change Adaptation
Thursday, October 24, 2013, at 9:30 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Los Angeles - How 10 million People will Confront Climate Change

  1. Alex Hall, Professor, Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Krista Kline, Managing Director, Los Angeles Regional Collaborative for Climate Action and Sustainability (Written Testimony)
     
  3. Jonathan Parfrey, Executive Director, Climate Resolve (Written Testimony)
     

San Diego - A Community Foundation Points the Way

  1. Emily Young, Vice President, Environment Initiatives, The San Diego Foundation (Written Testimony)


San Francisco Bay Area - Preparing for a World of High Water

  1. R. Zachary Wasserman, Chair, San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Larry Goldzband, Executive Director, San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission 
     
  3. Bruce Riordan, Climate Strategist, Bay Area Joint Policy Committee, and Chair, Alliance of Regional Collaboratives for Climate Adaptation (Written Testimony)


Sacramento and the Rest - Building Frameworks for Resilience

  1. Kate Meis, Executive Director, Local Government Commission (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Larry Greene, Executive Director/Air Pollution Control Officer, Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

  • Will Travis, Former Executive Director, San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (Written Comments)
     
  • Sue Sims, Executive Officer, California Water Commission (Written Comments)
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2013

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting
(Revision to Business Meeting Agenda)

On Thursday, October 24, 2013, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on climate change adaptation. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

The Commission is examining governance and legal structures for California to adapt to a changing climate. At this hearing, the Commission will focus on California’s major metropolitan regions, Los Angeles, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento, which are beginning to design climate change planning and response strategies (independently from the state).

The Commission will hear from Alex Hall, a University of California, Los Angeles professor and expert on regional climate impacts. The managing director for the Los Angeles Regional Collaborative for Climate Action and Sustainability and the executive director of Climate Resolve will discuss climate adaptation efforts in Los Angeles County. The Commission also will hear from the vice president of environment initiatives at the San Diego Foundation on addressing climate impacts in San Diego County. The Commission additionally will hear from the climate strategist for the Bay Area Joint Policy Committee and the chair and executive director of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, who will discuss how the region is preparing for rising water. Finally, the executive director of the Local Government Commission and the executive director of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District will testify about emerging regional adaptation efforts in Sacramento.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in Conference Room 175 on the first floor of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 17, 2013.

Video
August 22
2013
Climate Change Adaptation
9:30 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Climate Change Adaptation
Thursday, August 22, 2013, at 9:30 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

The Implications of a Rising Pacific Ocean

  1. Charles Lester, Executive Director, California Coastal Commission (Written Testimony)
     

Preparing for Uncertainty - How California Plans to Respond

  1. Ann C. Chan, Deputy Secretary for Climate Change and Energy, California Natural Resources Agency (Written Testimony)


Need for New Laws and Governance Structures

  1. Daniel Mazmanian, Public Policy Professor, Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Susanne Moser, Director and Principal Researcher, Susanne Moser Research & Consulting (Written Testimony)
     
  3. Robert Verchick, Gauthier-St. Martin Chair in Environmental Law, Loyola University, New Orleans (Written Testimony)


Pricing Risk and the Role of Insurance

  1. Stephen G. Bushnell, Senior Director, Fireman's Fund Insurance Company (Written Testimony)


Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

  • Jennifer Lucchesi, Executive Officer, California State Lands Commission (Written Comments)
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2013

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Revised Notice of Meeting
(Revision to List of Speakers) 

On Thursday, August 22, 2013, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on climate change adaptation. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

In this review of climate change adaptation the Commission will examine the governance and legal structures necessary to effectively adapt to changing climate conditions. Additionally, the Commission will assess appropriate frameworks to guide responses, decisions and investments during a time of uncertainty. At this hearing, the executive director of the California Coastal Commission will discuss the implications of a rising Pacific Ocean. Additionally, the deputy secretary of climate change and energy at the California Natural Resources Agency will discuss how California plans to respond to climate change. The Commission also will hear from Daniel Mazmanian, a University of Southern California professor on governance structures, followed by the director and principal researcher of Susanne Moser Research & Consulting on barriers to adaptation. The Commission additionally will hear from Robert Verchick, a professor from Loyola University, New Orleans, who is an expert in disaster law. Finally, the senior director of the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company will testify about the insurance industry’s role with climate change.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, August 15, 2013.

Video
Print Agenda
  • July 10
    2014
    Climate Change Adaptation
    10:00 a.m., Suite 805, 925 L Street, Sacramento, CA
    Public Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    July 9, 2014

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Revised Notice of Meeting
    (New Teleconference Location)

    On Thursday, July 10, 2014 the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a meeting to discuss and consider a draft report on Climate Change Adaptation. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in Suite 805 at 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    Additional teleconference locations accessible to the public during the meeting will be:

    • 333 S Hope Street, 29th floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071
       
    • 1800 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90067
       
    • 61 Moraga Way, #4, Orinda, CA 94563
       
    • 201 Third Street, 7th floor, San Francisco, CA
       
    • 94103 750 Battery Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94111
       
    • 1221 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
       
    • 12132 South Garfield Avenue, South Gate, CA 90280

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, http://www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, July 7, 2014.

  • February 27
    2014
    Climate Change Adaptation
    9:30 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Climate Change Adaptation
    Thursday, February 27, 2014, at 9:30 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Logistics and Trade: Moving Goods, Moving People

    1. Joe Birrer, Principal Engineer, Design, Construction and Technology, San Francisco International Airport (Written Testimony)
       
    2. T.L. Garrett, Vice President, Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (Written Testimony, Attachment)
       

    Energy: Keeping the Lights On

    1. Robert B. Anderson, Director, Resource Planning, San Diego Gas & Electric (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Jamie Exon, Manager, Electric Distribution Operations - Major Projects, San Diego Gas & Electric


    Technology and Infrastructure: Protecting High-Investment Areas

    1. Michael Mielke, Vice President, Environmental Policy and Programs, Silicon Valley Leadership Group (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Jeffrey Goldman, Principal, AECOM (Written Testimony)


    Agriculture: Preserving the $2 Billion Citrus Industry

    1. Joel Nelsen, President and Chief Executive Officer, California Citrus Mutual (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Communities: Building for Tomorrow

    1. Richard Lyon, Senior Vice President, Public Policy, California Building Industry Association (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Robert Raymer, Senior Engineer and Technical Director, California Building Industry Association (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

    • Louis Blumberg, Director, California Climate Change Program, The Nature Conservancy (Written Comments)
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 26, 2014

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Revised Notice of Meeting
    (New Business Meeting Location)

    On Thursday, February 27, 2014, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on climate change adaptation. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    The Commission is examining governance and legal structures for California to adapt to a changing climate. At this hearing, the Commission will focus on key economic sectors and private enterprises and how they are formulating climate change adaptation strategies.

    The Commission will hear from the principal engineer for design, construction and technology at San Francisco International Airport about the viability of SFO airport operations as a result of a rising Pacific Ocean. A vice president for the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association will describe how large Pacific Ocean shippers view preparations being made at government-owned ports. The Commission also will hear from the director of resource planning and an electric distribution operations manager with San Diego Gas & Electric on the regulated utility’s strategies to cope with climate threats. The Commission additionally will hear from the vice president for environmental programs at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group and a principal at AECOM. They will discuss the state’s probable long-term infrastructure needs and what may be needed to protect “high-investment” areas such as Silicon Valley. The president and chief executive officer of California Citrus Mutual will testify about potential climate impacts on the citrus industry and other specialty crops. Finally, the senior vice president of public policy and senior engineer and technical director with the California Building Industry Association will discuss the homebuilding industry’s preparedness for adverse climate impacts.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. The Commission will convene its business meeting in Room 437 of the Capitol then reconvene later in the day, at the chair’s discretion, in Conference Room 175 on the first floor of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, February 20, 2014

    Video
  • February 26
    2014
    Climate Change Adaptation
    1:30 p.m., 925 L Street, Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower
    Advisory Committee Meeting
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Advisory Committee Meeting on the Role of Risk Assessment in Climate Change Adaptation
    Wednesday, February 26, 2014, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
    925 L Street, Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level
    Sacramento, CA


    Meeting Goals: To discuss concepts of risk assessment in the context of climate change impacts, and explore recommendations to embed these concepts into state and local decision-making frameworks.

    1:30 – 1:40 p.m.

    Welcome and Introduction
    Subcommittee Chair Loren Kaye and Executive Director Carole D’Elia

    1:40 – 3:30 p.m.

    Discussion:

    • Analyzing climate risk assessment needs.

    • Parallels to existing processes. 

    • Alternatives for decision-making.

    Public Comments

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the discussion. Please notify Commission staff if you would like to make a comment.

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 12, 2014

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Wednesday, February 26, 2014, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct an advisory committee meeting on climate change adaptation. The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    The February 26, 2014, advisory committee meeting will focus on the role of risk assessment in climate change adaptation. The discussion will examine concepts of risk assessment in the context of climate change impacts, and explore recommendations to embed these concepts into state and local decision-making frameworks. Participants will explain how risk assessments are being used to develop and implement climate change adaptation plans and strategies throughout California.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the meeting. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, February 19, 2014.

  • October 24
    2013
    Climate Change Adaptation
    9:30 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Climate Change Adaptation
    Thursday, October 24, 2013, at 9:30 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Los Angeles - How 10 million People will Confront Climate Change

    1. Alex Hall, Professor, Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Krista Kline, Managing Director, Los Angeles Regional Collaborative for Climate Action and Sustainability (Written Testimony)
       
    3. Jonathan Parfrey, Executive Director, Climate Resolve (Written Testimony)
       

    San Diego - A Community Foundation Points the Way

    1. Emily Young, Vice President, Environment Initiatives, The San Diego Foundation (Written Testimony)


    San Francisco Bay Area - Preparing for a World of High Water

    1. R. Zachary Wasserman, Chair, San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Larry Goldzband, Executive Director, San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission 
       
    3. Bruce Riordan, Climate Strategist, Bay Area Joint Policy Committee, and Chair, Alliance of Regional Collaboratives for Climate Adaptation (Written Testimony)


    Sacramento and the Rest - Building Frameworks for Resilience

    1. Kate Meis, Executive Director, Local Government Commission (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Larry Greene, Executive Director/Air Pollution Control Officer, Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

    • Will Travis, Former Executive Director, San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (Written Comments)
       
    • Sue Sims, Executive Officer, California Water Commission (Written Comments)
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    October 23, 2013

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting
    (Revision to Business Meeting Agenda)

    On Thursday, October 24, 2013, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on climate change adaptation. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    The Commission is examining governance and legal structures for California to adapt to a changing climate. At this hearing, the Commission will focus on California’s major metropolitan regions, Los Angeles, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento, which are beginning to design climate change planning and response strategies (independently from the state).

    The Commission will hear from Alex Hall, a University of California, Los Angeles professor and expert on regional climate impacts. The managing director for the Los Angeles Regional Collaborative for Climate Action and Sustainability and the executive director of Climate Resolve will discuss climate adaptation efforts in Los Angeles County. The Commission also will hear from the vice president of environment initiatives at the San Diego Foundation on addressing climate impacts in San Diego County. The Commission additionally will hear from the climate strategist for the Bay Area Joint Policy Committee and the chair and executive director of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, who will discuss how the region is preparing for rising water. Finally, the executive director of the Local Government Commission and the executive director of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District will testify about emerging regional adaptation efforts in Sacramento.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in Conference Room 175 on the first floor of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 17, 2013.

    Video
  • August 22
    2013
    Climate Change Adaptation
    9:30 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Climate Change Adaptation
    Thursday, August 22, 2013, at 9:30 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    The Implications of a Rising Pacific Ocean

    1. Charles Lester, Executive Director, California Coastal Commission (Written Testimony)
       

    Preparing for Uncertainty - How California Plans to Respond

    1. Ann C. Chan, Deputy Secretary for Climate Change and Energy, California Natural Resources Agency (Written Testimony)


    Need for New Laws and Governance Structures

    1. Daniel Mazmanian, Public Policy Professor, Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Susanne Moser, Director and Principal Researcher, Susanne Moser Research & Consulting (Written Testimony)
       
    3. Robert Verchick, Gauthier-St. Martin Chair in Environmental Law, Loyola University, New Orleans (Written Testimony)


    Pricing Risk and the Role of Insurance

    1. Stephen G. Bushnell, Senior Director, Fireman's Fund Insurance Company (Written Testimony)


    Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

    • Jennifer Lucchesi, Executive Officer, California State Lands Commission (Written Comments)
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    August 12, 2013

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Revised Notice of Meeting
    (Revision to List of Speakers) 

    On Thursday, August 22, 2013, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on climate change adaptation. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    In this review of climate change adaptation the Commission will examine the governance and legal structures necessary to effectively adapt to changing climate conditions. Additionally, the Commission will assess appropriate frameworks to guide responses, decisions and investments during a time of uncertainty. At this hearing, the executive director of the California Coastal Commission will discuss the implications of a rising Pacific Ocean. Additionally, the deputy secretary of climate change and energy at the California Natural Resources Agency will discuss how California plans to respond to climate change. The Commission also will hear from Daniel Mazmanian, a University of Southern California professor on governance structures, followed by the director and principal researcher of Susanne Moser Research & Consulting on barriers to adaptation. The Commission additionally will hear from Robert Verchick, a professor from Loyola University, New Orleans, who is an expert in disaster law. Finally, the senior director of the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company will testify about the insurance industry’s role with climate change.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, August 15, 2013.

    Video
July 10
2014
Climate Change Adaptation
10:00 a.m., Suite 805, 925 L Street, Sacramento, CA
Public Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2014

For Additional Information Contact:
Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Revised Notice of Meeting
(New Teleconference Location)

On Thursday, July 10, 2014 the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a meeting to discuss and consider a draft report on Climate Change Adaptation. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in Suite 805 at 925 L Street in Sacramento.

Additional teleconference locations accessible to the public during the meeting will be:

  • 333 S Hope Street, 29th floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071
     
  • 1800 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90067
     
  • 61 Moraga Way, #4, Orinda, CA 94563
     
  • 201 Third Street, 7th floor, San Francisco, CA
     
  • 94103 750 Battery Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94111
     
  • 1221 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
     
  • 12132 South Garfield Avenue, South Gate, CA 90280

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, http://www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, July 7, 2014.

February 27
2014
Climate Change Adaptation
9:30 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Climate Change Adaptation
Thursday, February 27, 2014, at 9:30 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Logistics and Trade: Moving Goods, Moving People

  1. Joe Birrer, Principal Engineer, Design, Construction and Technology, San Francisco International Airport (Written Testimony)
     
  2. T.L. Garrett, Vice President, Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (Written Testimony, Attachment)
     

Energy: Keeping the Lights On

  1. Robert B. Anderson, Director, Resource Planning, San Diego Gas & Electric (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Jamie Exon, Manager, Electric Distribution Operations - Major Projects, San Diego Gas & Electric


Technology and Infrastructure: Protecting High-Investment Areas

  1. Michael Mielke, Vice President, Environmental Policy and Programs, Silicon Valley Leadership Group (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Jeffrey Goldman, Principal, AECOM (Written Testimony)


Agriculture: Preserving the $2 Billion Citrus Industry

  1. Joel Nelsen, President and Chief Executive Officer, California Citrus Mutual (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Communities: Building for Tomorrow

  1. Richard Lyon, Senior Vice President, Public Policy, California Building Industry Association (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Robert Raymer, Senior Engineer and Technical Director, California Building Industry Association (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

  • Louis Blumberg, Director, California Climate Change Program, The Nature Conservancy (Written Comments)
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2014

For Additional Information Contact:
Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Revised Notice of Meeting
(New Business Meeting Location)

On Thursday, February 27, 2014, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on climate change adaptation. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

The Commission is examining governance and legal structures for California to adapt to a changing climate. At this hearing, the Commission will focus on key economic sectors and private enterprises and how they are formulating climate change adaptation strategies.

The Commission will hear from the principal engineer for design, construction and technology at San Francisco International Airport about the viability of SFO airport operations as a result of a rising Pacific Ocean. A vice president for the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association will describe how large Pacific Ocean shippers view preparations being made at government-owned ports. The Commission also will hear from the director of resource planning and an electric distribution operations manager with San Diego Gas & Electric on the regulated utility’s strategies to cope with climate threats. The Commission additionally will hear from the vice president for environmental programs at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group and a principal at AECOM. They will discuss the state’s probable long-term infrastructure needs and what may be needed to protect “high-investment” areas such as Silicon Valley. The president and chief executive officer of California Citrus Mutual will testify about potential climate impacts on the citrus industry and other specialty crops. Finally, the senior vice president of public policy and senior engineer and technical director with the California Building Industry Association will discuss the homebuilding industry’s preparedness for adverse climate impacts.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. The Commission will convene its business meeting in Room 437 of the Capitol then reconvene later in the day, at the chair’s discretion, in Conference Room 175 on the first floor of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, February 20, 2014

Video
February 26
2014
Climate Change Adaptation
1:30 p.m., 925 L Street, Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, Sacramento, CA
Advisory Committee Meeting
Agenda

AGENDA

Advisory Committee Meeting on the Role of Risk Assessment in Climate Change Adaptation
Wednesday, February 26, 2014, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
925 L Street, Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level
Sacramento, CA


Meeting Goals: To discuss concepts of risk assessment in the context of climate change impacts, and explore recommendations to embed these concepts into state and local decision-making frameworks.

1:30 – 1:40 p.m.

Welcome and Introduction
Subcommittee Chair Loren Kaye and Executive Director Carole D’Elia

1:40 – 3:30 p.m.

Discussion:

  • Analyzing climate risk assessment needs.

  • Parallels to existing processes. 

  • Alternatives for decision-making.

Public Comments

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the discussion. Please notify Commission staff if you would like to make a comment.

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2014

For Additional Information Contact:
Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Wednesday, February 26, 2014, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct an advisory committee meeting on climate change adaptation. The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L Street in Sacramento.

The February 26, 2014, advisory committee meeting will focus on the role of risk assessment in climate change adaptation. The discussion will examine concepts of risk assessment in the context of climate change impacts, and explore recommendations to embed these concepts into state and local decision-making frameworks. Participants will explain how risk assessments are being used to develop and implement climate change adaptation plans and strategies throughout California.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the meeting. The Commission also encourages written comments.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, February 19, 2014.

October 24
2013
Climate Change Adaptation
9:30 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Climate Change Adaptation
Thursday, October 24, 2013, at 9:30 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Los Angeles - How 10 million People will Confront Climate Change

  1. Alex Hall, Professor, Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Krista Kline, Managing Director, Los Angeles Regional Collaborative for Climate Action and Sustainability (Written Testimony)
     
  3. Jonathan Parfrey, Executive Director, Climate Resolve (Written Testimony)
     

San Diego - A Community Foundation Points the Way

  1. Emily Young, Vice President, Environment Initiatives, The San Diego Foundation (Written Testimony)


San Francisco Bay Area - Preparing for a World of High Water

  1. R. Zachary Wasserman, Chair, San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Larry Goldzband, Executive Director, San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission 
     
  3. Bruce Riordan, Climate Strategist, Bay Area Joint Policy Committee, and Chair, Alliance of Regional Collaboratives for Climate Adaptation (Written Testimony)


Sacramento and the Rest - Building Frameworks for Resilience

  1. Kate Meis, Executive Director, Local Government Commission (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Larry Greene, Executive Director/Air Pollution Control Officer, Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

  • Will Travis, Former Executive Director, San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (Written Comments)
     
  • Sue Sims, Executive Officer, California Water Commission (Written Comments)
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2013

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting
(Revision to Business Meeting Agenda)

On Thursday, October 24, 2013, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on climate change adaptation. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

The Commission is examining governance and legal structures for California to adapt to a changing climate. At this hearing, the Commission will focus on California’s major metropolitan regions, Los Angeles, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento, which are beginning to design climate change planning and response strategies (independently from the state).

The Commission will hear from Alex Hall, a University of California, Los Angeles professor and expert on regional climate impacts. The managing director for the Los Angeles Regional Collaborative for Climate Action and Sustainability and the executive director of Climate Resolve will discuss climate adaptation efforts in Los Angeles County. The Commission also will hear from the vice president of environment initiatives at the San Diego Foundation on addressing climate impacts in San Diego County. The Commission additionally will hear from the climate strategist for the Bay Area Joint Policy Committee and the chair and executive director of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, who will discuss how the region is preparing for rising water. Finally, the executive director of the Local Government Commission and the executive director of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District will testify about emerging regional adaptation efforts in Sacramento.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in Conference Room 175 on the first floor of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 17, 2013.

Video
August 22
2013
Climate Change Adaptation
9:30 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Climate Change Adaptation
Thursday, August 22, 2013, at 9:30 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

The Implications of a Rising Pacific Ocean

  1. Charles Lester, Executive Director, California Coastal Commission (Written Testimony)
     

Preparing for Uncertainty - How California Plans to Respond

  1. Ann C. Chan, Deputy Secretary for Climate Change and Energy, California Natural Resources Agency (Written Testimony)


Need for New Laws and Governance Structures

  1. Daniel Mazmanian, Public Policy Professor, Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Susanne Moser, Director and Principal Researcher, Susanne Moser Research & Consulting (Written Testimony)
     
  3. Robert Verchick, Gauthier-St. Martin Chair in Environmental Law, Loyola University, New Orleans (Written Testimony)


Pricing Risk and the Role of Insurance

  1. Stephen G. Bushnell, Senior Director, Fireman's Fund Insurance Company (Written Testimony)


Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

  • Jennifer Lucchesi, Executive Officer, California State Lands Commission (Written Comments)
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2013

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Revised Notice of Meeting
(Revision to List of Speakers) 

On Thursday, August 22, 2013, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on climate change adaptation. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

In this review of climate change adaptation the Commission will examine the governance and legal structures necessary to effectively adapt to changing climate conditions. Additionally, the Commission will assess appropriate frameworks to guide responses, decisions and investments during a time of uncertainty. At this hearing, the executive director of the California Coastal Commission will discuss the implications of a rising Pacific Ocean. Additionally, the deputy secretary of climate change and energy at the California Natural Resources Agency will discuss how California plans to respond to climate change. The Commission also will hear from Daniel Mazmanian, a University of Southern California professor on governance structures, followed by the director and principal researcher of Susanne Moser Research & Consulting on barriers to adaptation. The Commission additionally will hear from Robert Verchick, a professor from Loyola University, New Orleans, who is an expert in disaster law. Finally, the senior director of the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company will testify about the insurance industry’s role with climate change.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, August 15, 2013.

Video