Plastic Pollution Guidance for CDPs and LCPs

On Wednesday, the Commission approved the final draft of its Guidance for Addressing Plastic Pollution in Coastal Development Permits and Local Coastal Programs (“Plastic Pollution Guidance”), providing a clear roadmap for reducing plastic pollution along California’s coast. The guidance emphasizes preventing plastic pollution at its source —through thoughtful planning, development decisions, and local policies—rather than relying solely on cleanup efforts. By offering concrete strategies for the Commission, local governments, and the public, the guidance strengthens protections for marine resources, water quality, environmentally sensitive habitats, and the scenic beauty of California’s coast.

The guidance builds on the Commission’s decades of leadership in tackling marine debris, from California Coastal Cleanup Day to the year-round Adopt-A-Beach Program, while incorporating lessons learned from past permitting and LCP actions. Notably, it also drew inspiration from Surfrider Foundation's Ocean Friendly Restaurants and Hotels programs, which the Commission has recently required several project applicants and enforcement action recipients to enroll in. It offers straightforward recommendations such as using non-plastic materials, choosing low-toxicity plastics, minimizing plastic runoff during construction, and keeping plastic debris contained. The guidance gives communities and decision-makers a practical blueprint for preventing plastic pollution now and in the future. 

By adopting this guidance, the Commission reinforces the link between development and the health of our coastal environment. It helps ensure that planning and permitting decisions reduce harmful plastics in the ocean, protect public health, and preserve California’s coast for everyone to enjoy—making our beaches cleaner, waters safer, and marine life healthier for generations to come.

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Plastic pollution is one of the most visible and damaging threats to California’s coast, affecting wildlife, water quality, and public enjoyment of beaches and waterways. By adopting this guidance, the Commission is exerting its authority to protect coastal resources from plastic pollution—taking proactive action that benefits all Californians. The guidance gives local governments and developers a clear roadmap to prevent plastic pollution before it reaches the ocean. This matters because reducing plastics at the source is far more effective than cleaning up after the fact, and it protects both the environment and public health. For Californians, it means cleaner beaches, safer waters, and healthier marine ecosystems—ensuring our coast remains a treasured resource for generations to come.