A case study in conservation politics: California's coastline initiative

Abstract

The people of the State of California (USA) have voted to put coastline development under strict State control; control had previously been vested in local communities, in so far as it had existed at all. The newly-established policy represents a major break with tradition, as government authority over zoning and other development control has previously always been vested in the local community. It also represents a major break with the American tradition of unguided growth and development, for scenic and recreational values were considered more important by the majority of voters. Analysis of voting patterns shows that the strongest support was found among urbanites without much coastal access, while the strongest opposition was found in rural coastal counties (which stand to lose money) and rural mountain counties (where developers fear the mountains may be regulated next).