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SANTA MONICA, Calif. () — Dozens of residents, environmentalists, activists and lawmakers gathered on Monday to oppose federal efforts they say could weaken California’s coastal protections and prioritize offshore oil drilling over the environment.
The public comment meeting with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) focused on the federal Coastal Zone Management Act, which allows state and federal governments to partner on coastal protections and gives coastal states the right to review and reject projects in federal waters.
The Trump administration has ordered an immediate NOAA review of California’s coastal practices, citing “environmental extremism.” Opponents called the review a political effort to undermine California’s authority over its coastline.
“This is a politically motivated federal action to target California’s coastal protections at the direct expense of ocean health, beach access and our communities,” said Pete Stauffer with the Surfrider Foundation.
A packed hearing room and a rally outside reflected the anger and frustration among those who said the administration is trying to dismantle environmental protections in California.
“This federal administration is bent on industrializing our coast. This is the first administration moving aggressively to expand new offshore oil drilling,” said Wade Crowfoot, the California natural resources secretary.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said the proposals would threaten resources essential to coastal communities.
“Reckless proposals to sell out our coastline threaten what we all know is so important: our thriving coastal economy, our unparalleled biodiversity and the natural beauty that we treasure,” Horvath said.
Opponents said thousands of federal actions have come before the California Coastal Commission since the act took effect more than 50 years ago, and 96% have been approved. They argued that weakening California’s coastal management programs could have a devastating effect on the state’s coastal economy, which generates billions of dollars each year.
“I urge you to protect our coast, protect federal-state partnership, and protect the public interest,” said Taryn Kiekow Heimer, the director of Ocean Energy.
Rep. Dave Min, D-47th District, also urged NOAA to respect California’s current coastal authority.
“I’m asking the folks at NOAA, please respect the will of California’s voters, protect state rights, let local control govern and stop this rigged review,” Min said.
NOAA completed a review last year that praised California’s actions, but the review was never finalized. This year, a new review was launched.
A mandatory 45-day public comment period is underway, with two more virtual meetings scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday before the NOAA board issues its review.
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