Assemblymember Mia Bonta introduced AB 40, the Community First Coal Review Act, requiring a full Environmental Impact Report before any local agency can approve large coal terminals in California. - The bill targets the Oakland Bulk and Oversized Terminal, which has a design capacity of 9-10 million short tons annually and relies on an outdated environmental report.
- West Oakland, a priority community under the Community Air Protection Program, faces high pollution burdens and health disparities. - The legislation builds on Bonta's previous environmental justice efforts, including AB 2851 for fence-line air quality monitoring.
The bill aims to prevent approval of coal terminals based on obsolete information, protecting community health and environmental justice.