California Coastal Commission

The Coastal California Environmental Justice Mapping Tool (CCEJ Tool) is an initial step to identify whether a project, policy, or program will affect environmental justice communities disproportionately along the coast.

The passage of Assembly Bill 2616 (Burke) authorized the Coastal Commission and local governments implementing the Coastal Act to consider environmental justice in coastal development permit (CDP) decisions by adding (PRC Sec. 30604 (h)) to the Coastal Act:

30604(h) When acting on a coastal development permit, the issuing agency, or the commission on appeal, may consider environmental justice, or the equitable distribution of environmental benefits throughout the state.

How to Use the CCEJ Tool

The CCEJ Tool was developed to assist applicants, analysts, and the public with the implementation of the California Coastal Commission’s Environmental Justice Policy. The information available in this map is based on federal and state definitions for terms used and data that combines environmental and demographic indicators in maps and reports. The tool can be used for the following applications:

As an initial screen to determine if additional environmental justice analysis or outreach is necessary for a proposed project.
To support applicants, analysts and the public in the review of projects and local coastal program updates.
To assist applicants, analysts and the public in finding information on pollution and environmental hazards to eliminate, prevent, or mitigate impacts.
To facilitate outreach and engagement with environmental justice communities, including low-income communities and communities of color.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of the CCEJ Tool 

Use the CCEJ tool early in your project research, planning, or review to identify if there are EJ considerations. 
Each project has a unique set of circumstances and may require a different approach, but you can still use this mapping tool to start your analysis.
Learn more about the Commission’s Environmental Justice Policy and Program
Check the User Guide and its sections below!

Please note that the CCEJ tool does not serve as a substitute for in-depth analysis including, but not limited to, a formal boundary determination, meaningful engagement for a community, or an environmental justice analysis .

Can't see the mapping tool?

If the mapping tool isn't visible, it might be due to your browser's zoom settings. Please adjust the zoom using the following keyboard shortcuts:

Windows/Linux: Use ‘CTRL’ and ‘+’ to zoom in or ‘CTRL’ and ‘-’ to zoom out.
Mac (OSX): Use ‘Command’ and ‘+’ to zoom in or ‘Command’ and ‘-’ to zoom out.

Mapping Tool

CCEJ Disclaimer

The CCEJ Tool consolidates a variety of public data to assist staff, applicants and the interested public in considering potential environmental justice implications of projects in the California Coastal Zone. The CCEJ Tool includes jurisdictional, environmental, and demographic data and indexes produced by various organizations. Looking at overlays or combinations of these data layers may assist users in considering whether projects may have unequitable environmental impacts.

The CCEJ Tool should be used for a “screening-level” look. While not a requirement, screening is a useful first step in understanding or highlighting locations that may be candidates for further review. While the data may be helpful for preliminary research and general planning purposes, this tool does not allow nor serve as a substitute for more in-depth analysis including but not limited to formal boundary determination, environmental justice analysis.

Any initial results from this tool should be supplemented with additional information, including information from community members in and around the project site or impact area, as appropriate. Initial results from this tool can also be used as a starting point to proactively reach out to the Commission’s environmental justice team for further conversation.

For any questions/comments about CCEJ Tool functionality or for assistance in using the tool, please contact: ccejtool@coastal.ca.gov.

Contact Us

For any questions/comments please contact: ccejtool@coastal.ca.gov. To contact the Environmental Justice Team: EnvironmentalJustice@coastal.ca.gov.