(a) It is the intent of the Legislature to prioritize the most vulnerable communities, ecosystems, and economic sectors in the state’s climate adaptation and resilience strategy set forth in the Safeguarding California Plan by ensuring that all state departments and agencies accurately identify, collaboratively prepare for, and are sufficiently resourced to adequately respond to the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, the urban heat island effect, habitat loss, wildfire, sea level rise, and drought.

(b) It also is the intent of the Legislature that the agency consider developing policies to address the impacts of climate change and climate adaptation with a focus on equity and that actions taken to address climate adaptation should be consistent with the plan. In developing these policies and taking these actions, all of the following shall occur:

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(1) The creation of planning processes that are transparent, fair, and inclusive in the development phases.

(2) The prioritization of resources and investments for vulnerable communities and populations.

(3) The adoption of strategies that seek to address and, at a minimum, avoid worsening social and racial inequities.

(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 338, Sec. 4. (AB 1384) Effective January 1, 2023.)