California’s Regulation of Coastline Under Threat
By Laurel Busby
News & Information Editor
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has launched a performance review of the California Coastal Management Program, which could be a first step in altering California’s authority to stop offshore drilling and other projects that threaten the coast.
The Federal Register announced the performance review on June 26 and invites public comment either via email or via three August public meetings. In particular, input is requested about spaceport infrastructure, offshore oil production, pipeline maintenance, desalination projects, and undersea cables.
According to an article written by Jennifer Savage of the Surfrider Foundation, “If NOAA finds California out of compliance, the consequences are real. Most importantly, a hostile review is the predicate for challenging California's federal consistency authority—the tool that stopped the Trestles toll road, that lets California object to offshore drilling in federal waters, and that requires federal infrastructure projects to account for coastal impacts before breaking ground.”
Savage also stated that a negative review could allow the Secretary of Commerce to suspend federal financial assistance to the Coastal Commission, the State Coastal Conservancy, and the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, the three agencies that administer the program. Such funding suspensions could last between six months to three years.
The Canyon Alliance urges residents to join the fight to maintain California’s authority to protect its coastline.
“I’ve spent my life on California’s coast, and now I’m raising my kids here,” said Eric Balfour, president of The Canyon Alliance. “This isn’t just where we live—it’s part of who we are. Our beaches, waves, wildlife, and public access didn’t stay this way by accident. They’ve been protected for generations because people cared enough to stand up for them. Now it’s our turn.”
To share opinions about the issue with NOAA, residents can attend the in-person meeting on Aug. 10 from 2-6 p.m. in the Pacific Ballroom of the Hilton Santa Monica Hotel and Suites, 1707 4th Street, or register for the virtual meetings, which will be held Aug. 11 and 12 from 2-5 p.m. (To speak for up to three minutes at the in-person meeting, residents should email czma.california-evaluation@noaa.gov before midnight on Aug. 8. The virtual meetings will be capped at 1,000 attendees, and speakers can use the “Raise Hand” function on Adobe Connect to speak for three minutes. )
Written comments may be emailed to czma.california-evaluation@noaa.gov by Aug. 22 at 11:59 p.m. by putting "Comments on Performance Evaluation of the California Coastal Management Program" in the subject line.
“The decisions being made today will shape the future of California’s coastline for our children and the generations that follow,” Balfour said. “If this coast means something to you, please take a few minutes to submit a public comment. Our coastline belongs to all of us, and together we can help keep it protected.”
(The NOAA meetings will be recorded with transcripts available by email. To see a livestream of the Aug. 10 meeting, register here. The Surfrider Foundation has gathered information at this link that may be helpful in crafting a letter to NOAA.)
