# California environmental and coastal management disputes > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/california-environmental-and-coastal-management-disputes > Updated: 2026-09-20T22:00:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. California has recently engaged in legislative and legal efforts regarding environmental review and coastal management. In late August, state lawmakers rejected a budget provision that would have exempted the Ocean Avenue Project from California Coastal Act reviews. Additionally, the legislature passed Senate Bill 954 to narrow certain exemptions within the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), specifically targeting advanced manufacturing facilities to provide better protections for air quality and disadvantaged communities. By late September, the focus shifted to a legal conflict between the state and the federal government. California announced plans to challenge the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) following a request from the Trump administration to review the state’s adherence to the federal Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA). The federal administration is investigating whether the California Coastal Commission’s enforcement activities have improperly hindered economic development. California officials contend the review is premature, noting they had passed a compliance review in 2024. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-20: California to challenge federal review of coastal management California is challenging a NOAA review of its coastal management practices, a move that could set a legal precedent for 34 other states regarding the balance of environmental protection and economic growth. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-to-challenge-federal-review-of-coastal-management ### 2026-08-31: California moves to refine environmental review laws and coastal protections California officials have rejected a legislative carveout for the Ocean Avenue Project and passed SB 954 to narrow environmental review exemptions for manufacturing facilities. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-moves-to-refine-environmental-review-laws-and-coastal-protections --- Cite as: California environmental and coastal management disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/california-environmental-and-coastal-management-disputes