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Isla Vista board unanimously backs concept of state "polluters pay" climate super fund
Summary
The Isla Vista Community Services District unanimously approved a resolution expressing support for the concept of a California polluters‑pay climate super fund (as reintroduced or as substantially similar legislation), following robust public comment from students, local advocates and nonprofits about coastal erosion and resilience needs.
The Isla Vista Community Services District board unanimously adopted a resolution on June 9 signaling support for the concept of a California "Polluters Pay Climate Super Fund" after hearing extensive public comment from students and local environmental advocates.
Board member Hobart introduced a draft resolution describing the proposed fund and noting companion bills previously labeled AB1243 and SB684; the resolution asks federal and state authorities to study emissions-based responsibility and direct funds toward adaptation and disadvantaged communities. "This would direct at least 40% of funds toward disadvantaged communities like Isla Vista," a Climate First organizer told the board in public comment.
Why it matters: Isla Vista residents and student groups told the board the community is already experiencing climate impacts — including rapid bluff erosion and limited evacuation and housing resources — and said state-level funding could pay for bluff stabilization, emergency housing and resiliency hubs. Brooke, who identified themself as a community-organizing manager with Climate First, said Isla Vista’s bluffs are “eroding 6 in a year” and emphasized that renters, students and working families lack the cushions to respond to disasters.
Board discussion focused on scope and process. Several members asked whether the resolution should reference the exact bill numbers now listed in the draft, because the prior bill cycle had lapsed; after discussion the board amended the text to express support for the concept or substantially similar legislation when it is reintroduced, rather than tying the district to inactive bill numbers.
The board then moved, seconded and carried the resolution by unanimous voice vote. President Car. announced the passage following the vote. Board members also flagged a potential referral to the district’s legislative committee for future work on local policy options.
Next steps: The board’s passage is advisory; it does not create binding regulatory power but signals local support to state legislators and may be used by advocates seeking reintroduction of a statewide bill. The board also discussed the possibility of parallel local measures to require greater accountability from fossil‑fuel infrastructure in the district.
