Santa Barbara City Council Backs California Climate Superfund

Unanimous resolution supports legislation to make polluters pay for climate impacts

Mar. 11, 2026 at 12:24am

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The Santa Barbara City Council has unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the creation of a California Climate Superfund, which would require polluters to pay for the costs of climate change impacts. The council also received an update on the city's Waterfront Adaptation Plan to address coastal erosion and flooding hazards. Local community members, including students and environmental activists, voiced strong support for the Superfund legislation during the council meeting.

Why it matters

The California Climate Superfund proposal aims to hold major polluters accountable for the environmental damage and adaptation costs caused by climate change, which is a growing concern for coastal communities like Santa Barbara that are facing increased risks of flooding and erosion. The city's support for the Superfund legislation could help build momentum for the statewide policy.

The details

The Santa Barbara City Council unanimously passed a resolution in support of the California Climate Superfund, a proposed state law that would require major polluters to pay into a fund to cover the costs of climate change adaptation and mitigation. The council also received an update on the city's Waterfront Adaptation Plan, which is exploring options to address coastal erosion and flooding hazards. Community members, including students, environmental activists, and residents impacted by past environmental disasters, spoke in favor of the Superfund proposal during the council meeting.

  • The Santa Barbara City Council passed the resolution on March 10, 2026.
  • State lawmakers have tabled the California Climate Superfund legislation until next year.

The players

Santa Barbara City Council

The governing body of the city of Santa Barbara, California, which unanimously passed a resolution in support of the California Climate Superfund.

California Climate Superfund

A proposed state-level policy that would require major polluters to pay into a fund to cover the costs of climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Fearless Grandmothers

A local environmental activist group that spoke in support of the California Climate Superfund and funding for the city's Waterfront Adaptation Plan.

Jake Twomey, Hunter Maher, and Sierra Ferrante

CALPIRG students who applauded the city council's efforts to pass the resolution supporting the California Climate Superfund.

Ethan Maday

A 10th grade student at Santa Barbara High School who spoke about the concerns of young people regarding climate change and their gratitude for local leaders taking action.

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What they’re saying

“Young people are scared we are worried we are concerned about our future and we are always incredibly grateful when leaders like the council members here the county leader step up and go and do something we are very grateful for them for that.”

— Ethan Maday, 10th grade student, Santa Barbara High School

“We had a walkout down the street at the Board of Supervisors building, a hundred walked out and protested and spoke and we got two resolutions done so I think that is pretty cool and it gives me, as a young person, some hope because we are scared, we are terrified we don't know what the future looks like no generation has faced something where we might not have fresh water or housing, affordable housing.”

— Ethan Maday, 10th grade student, Santa Barbara High School

“I am a Jesusita survivor who got sick from the environmental impacts. She hopes waterfront plans will be funded by polluters paying into a superfund as climate issues rise.”

— Catherine Gautier, Fearless Grandmothers

What’s next

State lawmakers have tabled the California Climate Superfund legislation until next year, so the next key step will be for the state legislature to take up and vote on the proposal.

The takeaway

The Santa Barbara City Council's unanimous support for the California Climate Superfund demonstrates growing local momentum for holding major polluters accountable for the costs of climate change adaptation. This grassroots support from coastal communities could help spur state lawmakers to prioritize the Superfund legislation in the coming year.