Speak Up by Aug. 22: California Fights Federal Review Threatening Its Coast
Waves crash on Main Beach just after sunset. Image Credit: Malina Long
California has filed formal comments opposing a federal review of its Coastal Management Program, calling it a politically driven effort to weaken the state's authority over its coastline and open the door to expanded offshore oil drilling, pipeline restarts and other industrial projects.
The filing responds to the U.S. Department of Commerce's "Evaluation of the California Coastal Management Program," ordered in May after NOAA had already completed its regularly scheduled review in 2025. State officials say the timing and rationale behind the new review are unusual.
"It's clear that the Trump administration is dead-set on expanding oil drilling off our coast and now they're working to steamroll any potential roadblocks and decades of precedent that could get in the way," said California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot, calling it "the most alarming threat to our coast in decades."
Governor Gavin Newsom accused the administration of pursuing "reckless offshore oil and gas extraction" and urged residents to submit public comments before the process closes.
At issue is the roughly 50-year-old federal-state partnership that gives California a say in federal actions affecting its coast, from drilling and pipelines to desalination, undersea cables and seabed mining. The Coastal Commission has reviewed more than 3,700 federal actions over 48 years, negotiating changes or approving projects in 96% of cases, according to the state. Executive Director Kate Huckelbridge said that record shows the process typically works with, not against, federal agencies.
Business leaders echoed those concerns. Dee Dee Myers, of the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, said the partnership underpins stability for the state's $51 billion coastal economy. Hog Island Oyster Company CEO John Finger tied that stability directly to environmental safeguards.
Derek Brockbank of the Coastal States Organization said the review sets a precedent other coastal states should watch, noting that under the Coastal Zone Management Act, NOAA must respond to every written comment it receives.
Public comment window closing
NOAA has scheduled three public meetings: an in-person session in Santa Monica on Aug. 10 and virtual meetings on Aug. 11 and 12. Written comments are being accepted through Aug. 22 via the Federal Register. Coastal Commissioner Ray Jackson urged residents, tribal governments, fishermen and business owners to weigh in before the deadline.
Advocacy groups are mobilizing too. The Surfrider Foundation is urging supporters to submit comments, framing the review as an attempt to seize control of the state's coast just as California marks 50 years of protections under the Coastal Act.
Santa Cruz strengthens its "Blue Wall"
Locally, Save Our Shores is accelerating work to modernize and expand California's "Blue Wall," a network of local zoning protections that restrict or require voter approval for onshore infrastructure tied to offshore drilling and seabed mining, such as transportation, processing and waste disposal facilities.
The Santa Cruz City Council voted unanimously to adopt updated Blue Wall ordinance language, effective immediately. It's the first enhanced ordinance of its kind in California and is being positioned as a model statewide.
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors followed with a unanimous vote to place a measure with the same updates on the November ballot. Other coastal jurisdictions with existing Blue Wall protections are now moving to adopt similar updates, following Santa Cruz's lead.
Take action: Submit a public comment to NOAA in support of California's coast via the Surfrider Foundation or Save Our Shores.
NOAA Public Meetings
Aug. 10: In-person meeting in Santa Monica
Aug. 11: Virtual public meeting
Aug. 12: Virtual public meeting
Written comments will be accepted through Aug. 22.
Make your voice heard: submit a comment now via the federal register.
